Chelsea have signed Brazil defender David Luiz from Benfica in a five-and-a-half-year deal worth about £21.3m.The package also sees midfielder Nemanja Matic, currently on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, move from the Blues to Benfica in the summer.
Luiz, 23, arrived at Chelsea's training base on Monday evening to complete his medical, with Benfica confirming the deal late on Monday night.
"I am delighted to be joining a big English club," said Luiz.
Luiz, who earned his first call-up to the Brazil squad for August's friendly against the United States, added: "I know very well the quality that Chelsea has.
"It is a major challenge for me but I am determined and confident in my ability to adapt to this excellent league, and I look forward to meeting my new team-mates."
The deal takes Chelsea's spending in January to over £70m, having landed Fernando Torres in a British record deal worth about £50m.
"David Luiz is one of the great defensive prospects in world football, and already a Brazilian international," said the Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay. "I am sure he will prove a valuable addition to the Chelsea squad."
Benfica had said previously that negotiations had broken down with Chelsea, with problems emerging over their displeasure with the payment being made in instalments or a cash-plus-player deal being offered.
But Chelsea's latest offer was been accepted and now Luiz is set to link up with fellow Brazilians, defender Alex and midfielder Ramires, at Stamford Bridge.
No comments:
Post a Comment