Chelsea Transfer News: Barcelona Want David Luiz & Branislav Ivanovic

By Matt Holmes / July 12, 2012

Mundo Deportivo, new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova is planning a double raid on Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea have been told to expect offers for defenders David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic as Barcelona look to overhaul their back four options ahead of next season. The Nou Camp side have overlooked their defensive part of their glamorous side for the past few seasons, instead focusing on adding more options and bringing in star players for their attacking midfield and striking options. Last season Barcelona were forced to play several players out of position to cover aging Carlos Puyol and his partner Gerard Pique when either were suspended or injured. They also have lost Eric Abidal as an option because of his liver transplant surgery and are in need of a new defender or two to boost their options ahead of next season. Vilanova has already secured the signing of Span's Euro 2012 star Jordi Alba from Valencia this summer but are now looking for central defensive recruits. The Barcelona hierarchy were extremely impressed with how Chelsea's defense held off Barcelona's constant barrage of attacks in the Champions League semi-final clash at the Nou Camp and have signalled Ivanvoic's heroic display and the season long form of Luiz as the players who can secure Barca keep more clean sheets next season. However it would likely take big offers from Barca to secure either man as Roman Abramovich and new boss Roberto Di Matteo see both as key players for next season, with Ivanovic's versatility likely to lead to more first team appearances next season after right-back Jose Boswingwa was released and Luiz hoping he can force himself to next season's first choice defender alongside Terry or Cahill. Other transfer options for Barcelona are reportedly Mats Hummels and Thigao Silva but Barca believe that the Chelsea trio would be cheaper options.