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Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal will target defender if David Luiz leaves

Lee Clarke

Thu 29 April 2021 14:15, UK

Arsenal will consider signing a new centre-back if they offload David Luiz during the summer,

The Gunners defender is out of contract in the summer and the club are yet to decide whether or not to hand him an extension.

Luiz hasn’t really been a regular in Mikel Arteta’s team this season. He has played 19 games in the Premier League and 29 in all competitions.

At 34 he is approaching the twilight of his career, although the experience he brings to the table makes the decision tricky for Arsenal.

Luiz signed for the Gunners from Chelsea in 2019, costing the club . Last season, he helped the club secure glory in the FA Cup, defeating his former club in the final.

Arsenal won’t have Champions League football on the table next season unless they can claim victory in the Europa League.

That will mean they’ll have to shop for a different type of player, with the star players likely to be out of Arsenal’s pricing range.

Luiz earns at the Emirates Stadium and Romano believes Arsenal will target a new defender if he leaves.

: “Arsenal are going for a new right-back. Bellerin will maybe leave the club in the summer but keep an eye also on a potential new centre-back for Arsenal. They are also considering a move for a new defender if David Luiz doesn’t stay.”

TBR View: Arsenal would be wise to let Luiz leave

The Gunners have to start prioritising quality over mediocrity and that means they should send Luiz on his way.

At 34 he’d be kept around for sentiment alone and Arsenal would be wise to try and target a new central defender.

William Saliba will return to the ranks in the summer after his loan from Nice and supporters would love to see him handed a chance to shine.

Arsenal would be better served using Luiz’s wages elsewhere and the time looks right to send him on his way.