Chelsea could thrive without Hazard and Courtois, says Luiz

David Luiz has urged Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard to stay at Chelsea – but the Brazilian believes the Blues can thrive if the pair leave.

Courtois has a year remaining on his contract and has been repeatedly linked with a move to Real Madrid. Chelsea will risk losing him for a reduced fee in January or for free next summer if they do not sell him this week.

Hazard, whose deal expires in 2020, has stalled over a new contract offer and has long been the subject of speculation over a move to Real.

“Chelsea wants for the best players to stay,” Luiz said.

“They know Chelsea a lot, so they know what they’ve had here, the fun they’ve had here. Everybody loves them and I hope they can stay.”

Head coach Maurizio Sarri on Sunday, following the Community Shield loss to Manchester City at Wembley, suggested he would sanction Courtois’ departure if the goalkeeper expresses a desire to leave.

The transfer window for incoming players to Premier League clubs closes this Thursday, but Luiz is adamant the Blues have enough quality even if Courtois and Hazard go.

“I want them to stay, because we have top players with the confidence,” Luiz added.

“If they decide to leave, I think we will continue with fantastic players.”

Willian is another Chelsea player linked with a move, but Luiz dismissed the idea of his fellow Brazilian leaving.

Luiz said: “Since the beginning, he told me he loved Chelsea.”