With about 24 hours to the close of the English Premier League transfer window, Chelsea defender David Luiz has indicated interest to leave the club to join London rivals Arsenal, Sky Sports reports.

The Brazilian defender reportedly refused to train with the Chelsea squad on Wednesday as he wants to force a move to North London.

He is said to be one of a number of central defenders on Unai Emery’s shortlist ahead of the transfer deadline, but Sky Sports News reported that there has been no formal bid for the Brazilian yet from the Gunners.

Chelsea are reluctant to let him leave for the Emirates Stadium given their current transfer ban, as they would not be able to sign a replacement this summer.

Luiz is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2021 after signing an extension in May of this year.

READ ALSO: EPL Transfer: Everton table £30m bid for Alex Iwobi

The 32-year-old made 36 Premier League appearances and scored three goals last season, his most ever during an English top-flight campaign.

Unai Emery is in the market for further defensive options and Arsenal are expected to make a final push to sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney before the deadline by 5pm on Thursday.