Mikel Arteta says he’s eager to extend David Luiz’s contract at Arsenal in the clearest indication yet that the Brazil international will sign new terms at the Emirates.
Towards the tail-end of May, it was revealed that the 33-year-old had only penned a one-year deal when he signed from Chelsea last summer.
When it came to light that the Gunners had failed to trigger a clause to extend his deal for a further 12 months it sounded like the defender might leave this summer. Kia Joorabchian, his agent, was quick to play that down and it’s believed an agreement is close to being reached.
Asked about the Luiz situation ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City, the boss said:
“I’m really happy with David, I want to keep him here with us. He’s been a key role model for me since I joined.
“I like what he produces on the pitch, I like his influence around the players and around the club. I would love to keep him.”
Given Arsenal have William Saliba returning from his loan at St Etienne, it’s likely we’ll be trying to shift at least one centre-back this summer.
Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi appear to be the prime candidates with both set to enter the final year of their respective deals. We also have Rob Holding and the injured Calum Chambers on the books and seem committed to a permanent deal for Pablo Mari.
Eugh, I hope not
Why not? He’s experienced and adds to the quality required by Mikel’s style of play. It’s a rebuilding process and we have to start somewhere, I’m very sure that he won’t stay on for more than a season but for now we need him for an extra season and help us rebuild to what Mikel wants.
i wont mind if he can make saliba and holding better players next season, and then they take over as our 1st choice the following season. to have a perm back 5 of leno, bellerin, holding, saliba and thierny for hte next 5 years after that is reasonable and provides a solid platform.
did loan deal went soar for soares?
For me it looks like Sokratis and Holding might be the candidates to leave. Mikel seem to not favor Holding a lot, but given Holding’s age he might be on the safe side and Mustafi leaves instead.
No no no no no no no. Just no. No no no. Nope. No.
Again, no.
Please no. Just let him go. My six year old nephew is probably a better defender than him. Fuck a tree by the highway is probably better than him.
57 caps for Brazil and 16 major trophies says differently. Since Arteta has taken over he’s played very well and we need his leadership skills
Martin a bit much mate. He hasn’t played very well to be fair but he’s been part of making our defence a bit more stable as his experience and time at the top is invaluable.
Yeah. Brilliant performance from him. Awesome leadership skills to get that red card. And gift 2 goals.
Luiz is a big presence on the pitch which will be important . As with no fans the players will want leaders and shouters on the pitch . If I was Arteta I would pick a mix of leaders and shouters and young flyers .plus ball keepers to tire the opposition. Not just city but in other games, as two games a week in the sun with tire teams.
I for one would keep him around. You can’t expect Saliba and Holding to form a good partnership. For me those two David Luiz and yes.. mustafi would be the prime candidates to keep around. Mustafi has been decent under Arteta and we don’t even know if Pablo will extend his stay.
And we have Mavropanos out on loan, who is seriously trying to make it at the club, and whom I have ahead of Chambers in the pecking order.
Still want to keep him, Arteta? ?