5 potential destinations for Chelsea's David Luiz

#1 Manchester City

Pep Guardiola likes ball-playing centre-backs

Before his transfer from Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain back in 2014, strong rumours emerged from German press that Pep Guardiola was keen on signing David Luiz.

In fact, it is no secret that Guardiola is a big fan of ball-playing centre-backs. In this characteristic, Luiz is certainly among the best in the world. One could ask why Manchester City, who are dominating the Premier League this season, would need Luiz. The Spanish tactician has already indicated that he intends to sign more than one player in the January transfer market, if possible.

For all their success so far, City could do with another centre-back. Luiz would still be better than the likes of Eliaquim Mangala, and arguably on par with Nicolas Otamendi. Club captain Vincent Kompany is almost always injured, so cannot be considered a reliable option for the foreseeable future. John Stones, currently injured, used to be heavily criticised for his defensive blunders, but has notably improved in regard to this aspect, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.

One would wonder how comfortable Luiz would be, playing in a team that averages 70% possession per game, where the centre-backs are less exposed than they would be elsewhere.

Mind you, Guardiola was initially keen on implementing a back-line of three prior to the long-term injury of Benjamin Mendy that forced him to change his plans. If he decides to return to that system when Mendy returns from his lay-off, then Stones, Luiz and Otamendi would probably be his best defensive trio.

Three top ball-playing centre-backs in the same team, has this ever happened before in the history of the Premier League?