Chelsea are poised to agree the sensational sale of David Luiz to Arsenal after a string of explosive rows.
The Brazil defender is understood to have been at war with the club as he tries to force a move to the Emirates.
Frank Lampard is understood to have moved decisively after his first big test and a deal worth around £8million is expected to be agreed ahead of Thursday’s 5pm deadline.
Chelsea have confirmed Luiz did not train with the first team on Wednesday but reject claims in France that he went on strike amid escalating tensions at their Cobham HQ.
Luiz wants out, however, and is believed to have made his position clear as he believes he is not likely to be a regular first-teamer at Stamford Bridge while Unai Emery wants him to replace Laurent Koscielny.
It is believed Luiz fears he will not be in Lampard’s first-team plans this season and has been “acting up” since the club’s return from Austria last week.
Luiz is the latest big name star to kick off in this window after Koscielny refused to travel on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of America and Romelu Lukaku was fined by Manchester United for training with Anderlecht without their permission.
Luiz’s agent, Kia Joorabchain was ostracised by Arsenal but is now back in the fold as he represents Sporting Director and Raul Sanllehi. Both men are understood to be pushing this deal.
Everton have also expressed an interest in Luiz. Joorabchian, has already worked with the club on a number of deals and has a good relationship with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
