Report: Arsenal lead race for Chelsea defender David Luiz

Arsenal are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign David Luiz from Chelsea after emerging as surprise candidates for the unwanted defender.

The Gunners are one of a number of sides understood to have now made contact with the Blues, who are willing to offload the Brazilian if the right offer is tabled.

Luiz has struggled to break into the Chelsea team since being dropped by manager Antonio Conte in October, supposedly due to a dispute in the wake of the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Roma.

Conte has since ruled the 30-year-old out of action due to a knee problem, but he is expected to return to full fitness within the next week.

The Express claims that Arsenal want Luiz to strengthen their backline, though Chelsea are awaiting a bid from fellow interested party Juventus as they would prefer to sell to a foreign club.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked, as they are both said to be in the market for a new centre-back.