Chelsea Transfer News: Eliaquim Mangala Is David Luiz Replacement?

by Joseph Dempsey

Telegraph. And if the Blues do sell the 26-year-old, it is likely they will turn their attentions to France international Eliaquim Mangala, according to the same report. The 22-year-old Porto star featured for his club in last weekend's Emirates Cup at Arsenal and has recently become a regular starter for the Portuguese outfit, making 23 Primeira Liga appearances last season. The youngster is highly-rated by Porto and Chelsea's interest rests on whether or not the Dragons are prepared to drop their asking price of ‚50 million (£42 million) - which is the release clause in the starlet's contract. The Blues want to pay no more than half of that amount and the early indications are that Porto would be willing to negotiate. Chelsea are fighting a battle to keep hold of Luiz this summer. It is understood Barcelona made contact with the West London club regarding the Brazilian and representatives have arrived in the capital to submit a bid of just under £34.5 million. The Blues are likely to reject an offer of that scale, having previously told Bayern Munich, another interested party, that they would only entertain a deal of ‚60 million (£52 million) for the defender.

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Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.