Sarri free to join Chelsea but Napoli want Luiz in return

Napoli are willing to let Maurizio Sarri join Chelsea for free but want David Luiz as part of the deal, claims The Daily Telegraph.

The Serie A giants have already agreed for Carlo Ancelotti to become their manager for next season but are yet to dismiss Sarri.

The Italian is widely considered to be Chelsea’s top managerial target this summer as they prepare to replace Antonio Conte.

Sarri, who has an offer on the table from Russian side Zenit, has a £7m release clause in his existing deal.

However, Napoli are prepared to waive that fee if Chelsea agree to sell Luiz in a cut-price deal.

After playing an integral part in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign during his first year back at the club, Luiz dropped completely out of favour this season.

The 31-year-old missed Chelsea’s last 18 matches on all competitions due to injury, but his future at the club is uncertain now that Conte is expected to leave.

Since August 2016, Chelsea have a far superior win ratio in the Premier League when Luiz has started (73.8%) compared to when he has not featured from the off (58.8%).