David Luiz will leave Arsenal after completion of the season, revealed The Athletic Friday afternoon. The 34-year-old center-back has already informed the club management of his decision, it sounds. The Gunners Luiz had not yet made an offer to renew his expiring contract, but reportedly the veteran himself has come to the conclusion that a departure from North London is better for him.
Luiz has been a fixture in the defense of Arsenal for the past two seasons, which is currently ninth in the Premier League. However, the Brazilian stopper has not taken action since the away game against Newcastle United (0-2), when he retired with a hamstring injury. It is not yet clear whether manager Mikel Arteta can call on Luiz in the closing league games against Crystal Palace (May 19) and Brighton & Hove Albion (May 23).
Luiz was taken over from fellow city rivals Chelsea for around nine million euros in mid-2019 and almost two years later the counter stands at 73 games in all competitions in the Arsenal shirt. With the London club he captured the FA Cup and the Community Shield. It is not yet known where or whether Luiz will continue his career. In addition to Arsenal and Chelsea, the defender has played for Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain in the past.
For the central positions in the back, Arteta still has Pablo Marí, who has been making a solid impression, especially lately, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Magalhães. In addition, there is a good chance that William Saliba, who is active on a rental basis for OGC Nice this season, will join the main force of Arsenal in preparation for the new season.
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