David Luiz will have conversations with Arsenal in the coming weeks, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian’s comments to Sky Sports.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal could cut ties with Luiz at the end of the season.
The Brazilian has just weeks left on his contract and although Arsenal do have an option to extend it, it is thought that they will opt against using it, as his current wage is too expensive.
The Gunners may agree to extend Luiz if he is given a cheaper deal though.
And Joorabchian suggests that the experienced defender, who only moved to the Emirates in an £8 million transfer last summer (BBC Sport), is keen to stay at Arsenal rather than move on.
“David will sit down with Arsenal before the season begins, have his conversations and they will both decide if he will stay or not. That will come before the season starts. The chances are very high [of Luiz being at Arsenal next season].
“There is no desire to leave. But again, we are going to live in a ‘new’ normal, we will have to see what Arsenal’s position will be. But I believe there is a wish from both sides to continue.”
Luiz has been a key player for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta so far.
Many of the Gunners younger players have suggested that Luiz has a big influence on the dressing room, and that he acts as a mentor for them on the pitch.
To lose him, therefore, would be a blow to Arsenal – but unless he is willing to take a pay-cut, it could be that the Gunners’ need to cut costs means it is simply impossible to keep him around.
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