Arsenal run the risk of losing some star players this summer. While the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lucas Torreira make headline news, some other first-team regulars go under the radar, like David Luiz. The Brazil international, who was signed by Arsenal at the start of this season, is rumoured to be on his way out.

While nothing is confirmed and it’s still very much up in the air, a few of the English tabloids are reporting it could happen, as the Gunners look to raise some funds this summer. However, if recent reports are anything to go by, then fans can take some real confidence.

According to the Mirror, his former club Benfica are interested in signing him again, so he can retire where he once developed. However, should he wish to join, then he will need to take a pay cut since the club cannot afford his wages.

This is to be expected, especially given the financial constraints that the Coronavirus outbreak will place on clubs when it comes to dishing out wages. This gives Arsenal the upper-hand, and it may mean that the Brazilian centre-back would prefer to spend one more season in North London before making the move abroad.

David Luiz is a fine centre back and I’ve been particularly impressed with his work under Mikel Arteta. He is a completely different player to the one he was when Unai Emery first signed him. He deserves all the plaudits for the work he has put in behind the scenes and for taking Arteta’s advice on board.

He is an important asset to Arsenal’s back-line since he often brings the ball forward and his passing ability is crucial as Arteta wishes to play out from the back. That said, he is the ideal defender to have playing alongside the younger options of Calum Chambers and William Saliba.

Cover image: Amir Hosseini, 2019