David Luiz is Chelsea’s trump card in battle to lure Inter Milan defender

Chelsea could have a 6ft 2in, curly-haired advantage should they choose to throw down against Man Utd, Arsenal and Spurs for Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia, with the Nerazzuri confirmed members of the David Luiz fan club.

Jose Mourinho is understood to be weighing-up the need to bolster his defence, having conceded eight times in their last three away games and it’s just 4/7 that both sides score when Chelsea head to Arsenal in their next Premier League outing.

David Luiz has seemingly failed to convince his new manager of his virtues, having started just half the Blues’ games this season.

The Brazilian has long been on Barcelona’s radar but Walter Mazzarri’s side are also admirers.

With a home World Cup around the corner, Luiz will be keen to get as much chance to advertise his gifts to Selecao kingpin Luiz Felipe Scolari as possible this season.

This could provide a persuasive reason to move to Milan on a January loan deal at the very least.

Needless to say, Chelsea’s Brazilian bargaining chip gives them a head start on their Premier League rivals if they are to investigate the signing of Inter’s 12-cap Italian international.

At 6ft 5in Ranocchia is a towering presence in the middle of the Nerazzuri backline with an understandable aptitude for all matters aerial.

The defender himself has moved to distance himself from reports in the Italian media regarding his unhappiness at the club.

However he has yet to agree to a new deal at Giuseppe Meazza, a state of affairs which the Independent suggests has angered the Inter hierarchy.

It may that the defender’s potential availability at a discounted rate is at least partially responsible for Chelsea’s interest.

Since Ranocchia joined his current employers from Genoa mid-way through the 2010/11 campaign the Nerazzuri have shipped more than 50 goals in each full season he has worn the shirt.