Chelsea ‘offer David Luiz in Olivier Giroud deal’

Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer David Luiz in any deal to sign Olivier Giroud from Arsenal before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is desperate to bolster his attacking options this month and is understood to have turned his main focus to Giroud after missing out on Roma striker Edin Dzeko.

The Gunners are willing to let Giroud join their London rivals due to the expected arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but only if their £35m asking price is met.

Chelsea have reportedly baulked at that fee and initially considered a loan deal, but the Daily Star reports that they are now considering offering Luiz as a makeweight in any potential agreement.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with Luiz in the past and could see the Brazilian as a better alternative to Jonny Evans, who would likely cost more than £20m to prise away from West Bromwich Albion.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are willing to let Luiz leave due to the emergence of Andreas Christensen this season, while they are also thought to be on the verge of signing defender Emerson Palmieri from Roma.