Blow for Sarri as key player could leave Chelsea in the summer due to club’s policy

David Luiz could be on his way out of the club on a free transfer in the summer, according to the Times (h/t Express). The report claims that the 31-year-old is leaving as Chelsea have a policy of providing one-year extensions to players over 30.

Cesc Fabregas is the other player who will be allowed to speak to clubs in January (h/t Express), and this would come as a huge blow to Maurizio Sarri.

Luiz has been great under Sarri this season and the Brazilian is favoured in the defence alongside Antonio Rudiger. The report adds that Sarri wants the club to change their policy for players above 30, but that doesn’t seem to have worked for the Italian:

“I spoke with the club about this one month ago. I know very well that it’s not easy, but I think we can do a new deal for both.”

The Italian added that he wants the pair to stay at the club given its quality and hoped a deal could be finalised for the pair.

“The deal is very difficult for this reason [both players are over 30 years of age]. The club wants a short contract and the players want a long contract. It is difficult for this reason but I think we can find a solution.”

Read more: Chelsea transfer news: Arsenal interested in signing veteran Blues star in January

Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League just two points above Arsenal. There is a need for some quality signings in the winter window as we look to push on, and hopefully, we don’t end up losing a lot of players.