Chelsea’s Brazilian defender David Luiz, 26, is Pep Guardiola’s No.1 defensive target this summer, according to reports. Chelsea’s flamboyant center back excelled last season in the Premier League, but with José Mourinho thought to prefer John Terry and Gary Cahill in central defense, Bayern could swoop in to seal a $60 million deal. A huge fans favorite at Stamford Bridge, Luiz would be a big loss to Chelsea with his stunning goals and eccentric risk taking. Used in central midfield during the second half of last season, Luiz displayed his versatility and his good form continued into the Confederations Cup. But with the World Cup in his home country coming up at the end of this season, he’ll want to be playing regularly to rubber stamp his spot in Brazil’s starting lineup.
While Chelsea could tie in a deal for Brazilian midfielder Luis Gustavo if Luiz does make a switch to the Bundesliga. Bayern’s holding midfielder is apparently available for $22 million and Mourinho could do further business with Guardiola before the summer is out. Gustavo could be left on the bench after Bayern signed Thiago Alcantara and the 26-year-old Brazilian could slot in to Chelsea’s midfield seamlessly. John Obi Mikel was questioned at times last year, and a true holding midfielder in Gustavo would be exactly what Mourinho needs to balance out the vast attacking talents at his disposal.
Barcelona’s Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez could be heading to Napoli, as the La Liga invasion continues at the Stadio Sao Paolo. Sanchez has scored 26 goals in 87 games since joining Barca from Udinese back in 2011, but he’s failed to live up to the hype he created after stirring displays at the 2010 World Cup. Sanchez would strengthen Napoli further, as Higuain and Marek Hamsik will have another partner in crime. With Neymar coming in at Barca, Sanchez could become a bit-part player at the Camp Nou. Time to move back to Italy?
Elsewhere, Lorenzo Melgarejo could join Liverpool on a season-long loan deal, as Benfica’s left back could provide cover and competition for incumbent Jose Enrique. The 22-year-old Paraguayan defender wants to move to the Premier League and after being ever present for the Portuguese side last term, he starred in the Europa League final defeat to Chelsea. The Reds do need some cover at left back, with Glen Johnson having to switch to the left when Enrique was injured last season. Brendan Rodgers is keen for cheap but hungry reinforcements, and Melgarejo could be a perfect fit for a back up role.
Queens Park Rangers are preparing for an immediate return to the Premier League and aim to bring in Peter Crouch from Stoke City. Crouch has worked with Redknapp at Southampton, Portsmouth and Tottenham and Redknapp will turn to the former England international after losing out on Gary Hooper who signed for Norwich instead. Crouch, 32, may not fit into Mark Hughes plans at the Britannia and a move back to QPR, where he scored 10 goals in 42 games in 2000-2001, will appeal to the lanky forward.
