With the central defender having now agreed to join PSG next season, we take a look at five possible players who could replace the Brazil international at Stamford Bridge this summer …
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1) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
The already world-class central defender was actually first brought to the Santiago Bernabeu by the then Los Blancos head coach Jose Mourinho back in the summer of 2011, with the self-styled Special One agreeing to splash out just 10m euros in order to lure the France international to the Spanish capital on a six-year deal.
2) Eliaquim Mangala (FC Porto)
The France international has been heavily linked with the west London club of late, although the Blues are believed to not be the only big-name club currently interested in the centre back.
However, with the 23-year-old now thought likely to leave the Estadio Dragao when the summer transfer window does finally reopen for business, then do not be surprised at all if the player ends up at Stamford Bridge next season.
3) John Stones (Everton)
The youngster was given a shock call-up to be one of England’s seven players on standby for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil after breaking into the Merseyside giants’ starting lineup at the turn of the year following an injury to club captain Phil Jagielka.
But after shining at the back in the second half of the previous campaign, the 19-year-old is now one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League.
4) Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
The experienced Gunners skipper may have spent the majority of the past few campaigns warming the substitutes’ bench at the Emirates, however, it is still believed that the Belgium international has a number of admirers still in the Premier League.
In fact, Blues boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly one of the versatile defender’s biggest fans, and so the Portuguese could now try to lure the 28-year-0ld across the capital this summer to replace the departing Luiz in west London next season.
5) Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
The big-money Spain international is reportedly unhappy with life at the Bundesliga champions following the arrival of manager Pep Guardiola in Bavaria last summer, with a number of major clubs on the continent now understood to be keeping a close eye out on developments.
And with the Blues themselves now in need of a new versatile defender this summer who can also potentially operate as a holding midfielder too, then who better than the 25-year-old Basque to take on the role?