Arsenal defender David Luiz is set to leave the club after the climax of the 2020-21 season.
Luiz, who was signed from Chelsea in the summer of 2019 and has spent the last two years in North London reportedly informed the club of his decision on Friday (May 14). The 34-year-old up until now had not been offered a contract extension and then held a meeting with the club where it was decided that he would no longer be at the Emirates when his contract expires in July.
The Brazilian veteran has not played for Mikel Arteta’s side since coming off with a hamstring injury during the win at Newcastle earlier this month and he continues to be involved in a race to be fit to at least play one more game out of the two remaining Premier League games for the Gunners this season. The former Chelsea defender made 30 appearances in all competitions this season, playing both in Arteta’s back-three and his back-four systems.
Bracing for Luiz’s exit, Arsenal still have the likes of Pablo Mari, Gabriel, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers as centre back options, while on-loan William Saliba is in line to return to the first team next season. The former Chelsea and Paris-Saint Germain player helped Arsenal to their 14th FA Cup title and also a Community Shield triumph at the beginning of the season.
Story by Sammy Wejinya
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