Newcastle have emerged as surprise suitors for Chelsea defender David Luiz but face competition from Arsenal, reports the London Evening Standard.
Luiz is free to leave Chelsea next month after falling out of favour with Antonio Conte but a knee injury may scupper his chances of securing a move away.
Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature and are reportedly weighing up a £25m move for the Brazil international.
However, Rafa Benitez is also plotting an audacious raid on his former club but the Magpies can only afford to secure Luiz’s services on loan for the remainder of the season.
Benitez worked with Luiz during his time as Chelsea’s interim manager during the 2012/13 campaign but it would be a serious coup if Newcastle can fend off interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe for his signature.
Chelsea’s results in the Premier League have generally remained the same regardless of whether Luiz has started but they have been more resolute at the back when the 30-year-old has not featured from the off.
The defending Premier League champions conceded 1.13 goals per league game with Luiz starting compared to just 0.5 without him this season.
