Arsenal defender David Luiz confirms Benfica transfer talks with Gunners contract set to expire next month
DAVID LUIZ has already held talks with former club Benfica about a return once his Arsenal contract expires. The Gunners are set to wave goodbye to the centre-back at the end of June after it emerged his deal was due to run out. Luis Filipe Vieira, club president of Benfica, is plotting a move to […]
DAVID LUIZ has already held talks with former club Benfica about a return once his Arsenal contract expires.
The Gunners are set to wave goodbye to the centre-back at the end of June after it emerged his deal was due to run out.
Luis Filipe Vieira, club president of Benfica, is plotting a move to secure his former star’s services, Luiz has confirmed.
He told Portuguese newspaper Record: “I already spoke with Vieira about the return.
“My dream is to end my career at Benfica.
“When, I don’t know, but it will happen… it will, if president Vieira allows me and if the fans want me to come back.
“It will be one of the most beautiful moments of my career.”
Brazil international Luiz first arrived at Lisbon club Benfica while still a teenager, signing as a little-known prospect on an initial loan deal from Vitoria.
In four-and-a-half years at Estadio da Luz, his crowning moment came as an essential part of the 2009/10 Primeira Liga winning side.
Arsenal have until June 23 to ensure Luiz does not leave at the end of the month.
They have the option of negotiating a new deal until the 2019/20 season finally ends – but are reportedly not considering doing so.
The player, who arrived from Chelsea for £8million on last summer’s deadline day, is thought to be earning £110,000-a-week.
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Instead, the Gunners are said to be considering making Pablo Mari’s loan move from Flamengo permanent for £10million.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will also have a fit-again Calum Chambers back for next season, as well as incoming Saint-Etienne loanee William Saliba.
Something of an overhaul is mooted in the Emirates Stadium defence with the club open to offers for Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
