Chelsea Transfer News: Barcelona Back In for David Luiz?

Dec 12, 2012 12:11 AM EST

Chelsea defender David Luiz is again being linked with a move to Barcelona.

Some reports in the Spanish press suggest Barca have revived their interest in the Brazilian international and are looking at the possibility of signing him in the January transfer window.

Luiz was heavily linked with a move to Spain as well as English Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer, with the Blues immediately dismissing those rumors.

However, fresh reports suggest Barcelona might be ready to give it another go, as they try to shore up their defense, which has suffered a few injuries this season.

Luiz, who recently signed a long-term contract, though, said he is happy at Chelsea and ready to get over the "comical" reputation that has been given to him during his two years in England.

"I was captain at Benfica at 21. I know my personality is to be a natural leader," Luiz said.

"So I know now that, at this moment, with the team's leaders of many, many years out of the team, I need to take responsibility of the team myself and try and help the young players.

"I don't have a problem with that in bad moments. I always say my shoulders are broad and I can take that extra responsibility.

"I love it. I want it. I prefer to take it on myself to help the other guys, who can go and play with their heads clear and calm.

"I can play with this added responsibility. I enjoy it. I know my personality and I know what it's taken to get me here at Chelsea. It's just another moment to be strong.

"One day, when I have kids, I'll tell them that, even when their life is not easy, they can still do anything they want. That is the way to approach things."

Luiz has been the butt of much criticism in the English press, with Gary Neville once commenting the Brazilian played as though he was being controlled by a 10-year-old on a Playstation.

"No one likes criticism," Luiz added. "It gets to you and you don't like it. You ask: 'Why are they saying this? I tried my best, why can't they see I'm trying?'

"You can have these moments where you're down, but you can't let them last long. They have to pass. I can be sad for one or two hours.

"But, the rest of the day, I need to be happy because the team needs me to be positive. My brain needs it. I need it.

"The last four games, I've played really well, at the top level and with confidence. I need to continue this work and mentality.

"This is a big club. If I played for a club in the middle of the table, I could make mistakes in games, three or four times, and no one would notice because the analysis is not at the top level.

"But when you play for a big club, they analyse you at the top level. Every little mistake is highlighted. Every day work, work, work.

"This is the key to football. Because if you don't, other guys work more than you do and they kill you."

If Barcelona were to firm up their interest, Chelsea would demand a considerable fee for the defender, and the only way the Spanish giants will be able to afford it is if they offer another player to Chelsea, with the Blues linked with a move for Sergio Busquets recently.

However, the likelihood of such a move happening is extremely slim and next to impossible in the January transfer window.

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