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Chelsea bosses could let David Luiz leave over contract policy

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The Brazilian will only be offered a short-term deal (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea bosses fear David Luiz could leave the club in the summer despite becoming a key player under Maurizio Sarri because they are only willing to offer him a one-year deal.

The Brazilian was exiled under former manager Antonio Conte but has become central to successor Sarris project, even scoring in Saturdays win over Manchester City in a man-of-the-match display.

However, Luizs current deal expires in the summer, and, according to The Mirror, Chelsea are only prepared to offer him a short-term deal.

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It is club policy not to offer long-term contracts to players over the age of 30, and so far there has been little progress in talks over a renewal.

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Luiz, who is only 31, is free to begin negotiating a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January onwards.

The Brazilian scored a great header against Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

Even though Luiz has been impressive this season – barring an awful display at Wembley, at least – and is well liked by Sarri, the club will not change their over-30s policy.

That would leave Chelsea needing to bring in a new centre-back, and Sarri would much rather keep Luiz in the squad.

Asked whether he would accept Chelseas one-year deal, Luiz replied coyly: We are still talking, lets see. Lets see what the future brings. I love this club, everybody knows I want to stay.