David Luiz missed first-team training on Wednesday as the Chelsea defender attempts to force through a shock move to Arsenal on Thursday.

Sportsmail understands Luiz has been an increasingly disruptive figure at the club's Cobham HQ in recent days, culminating in Wednesday's surprise development.

The Brazil defender, it is understood, did report for training but was not involved in the senior set-up casting doubt over his position at the club.

Arsenal have turned to Chelsea defender David Luiz in their bid to sign a centre-back

Sportsmail understands Luiz (centre) has been a disruptive influence at Chelsea's Cobham HQ

Sources suggest the decision for Luiz not to train with Frank Lampard's was mutual - but there were differing views from other insiders on Wednesday night who feel his omission was part of a wider plan from the defender to force through a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea were awaiting on a formal offer from the Gunners, with the north London club hopeful of securing Luiz for as little as £5million given he is 32-years-old.

It is understood despite leaving the club a central defender light - and without the option of signing a replacement due to their transfer ban - Chelsea are willing to let Luiz leave ahead of Thursday's deadline.

Chelsea broke their club policy of only offering players over the age of 30 one year extensions for by offering Luiz a two-year deal earlier this year.

Arsenal are yet to make a formal offer for Luiz (front) but that is expected imminently

Unai Emery has seen offers fall for Red Bull Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano and Daniele Rugani

But despite the commitment from Chelsea, the defender is determined to leave Stamford Bridge and has not hidden his feelings at the club's training base.

Indeed, Luiz has been at the centre of a number of spats in recent days, seriously irking Lampard and his backroom team, who have been at pains to nurture a united atmosphere since their arrival earlier this summer.

Despite the prospect of losing his most experienced central defender, Lampard is believed to be open to letting Luiz leave.

The Chelsea manager, who is clearly unwilling to let anyone impact on his squad's team spirit, is understood to have made his stance clear.

But the final decision over whether Luiz will be allowed to leave will be left to director Marina Granovskaia - but with little prospect of Lampard selecting the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star following a series of rows, the path for the South American to leave looks clear.

Frank Lampard will likely be short of centre-backs should Luiz join the Gunners

However, if the two clubs cannot agree a fee early on Thursday morning, Arsenal may look to walk away from the deal to focus on other options.

Luiz's exit could impact on academy defender Fikayo Tomori's future. Tomori was lined up for a loan move away - but Chelsea may have a change of heart to ensure Lampard has enough cover at centre-back.

As it stands Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger - who is injured - are the club's senior central defenders.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to complete their £25million swoop for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney before Thursday's deadline.

The Scotland international is due to arrive in London later on Thursday to sign a five-year deal.