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Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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Jamie Carragher comments on reports David Luiz is set to leave Arsenal

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

Jamie Carragher has told Sky Sports’ The Football Show (Thursday, 09:15am) that he is not surprised that Mikel Arteta has reportedly decided not to hand David Luiz a new contract – and stated that he knows Arsenal are excited about William Saliba.

in an exclusive on Wednesday that 33-year-old Luiz could be about leave the club on a free in June, despite originally being believed to have signed a two-year contract last summer.

It has become apparent that he only agreed a 12-month deal, with the option of extending that contract but the report claims there are no talks to keep him beyond his current agreement. William Saliba is due to return from his loan at St. Etienne.

Carragher stated that he is not surprised that Luiz will leave Arsenal in the coming months, discussing his good and bad points before confirming that he has heard that Arsenal are very excited about £27million () signing Saliba.

(Photo by Alan Walter – Arsenal FC/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“He’s been entertaining,” Carragher said on Luiz. “That’s probably not something you’d want to be described about as a defender. He’s had success, gone for big money, got some great qualities.He was best in a back three under Conte.

“He’s a leader, a real physical presence. He can lack concentration, make poor decisions and that is why he has always moved on. I do know Arsenal are excited about Saliba. It is no surprise to me that they will not be extending his contract.”

TBR’s view – Should Luiz stay at Arsenal, or is it time for Saliba?

Luiz has hardly been the answer to Arsenal’s woes at centre-back this season. Yes, the Brazilian has brought the club leadership and qualities in terms of possession and aerial ability – but that lack of concentration is still more than apparent.

Arsenal need a rock-solid centre-back that can take them to the next level. Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi, like Luiz, have struggled – but Saliba could be the man in years to come to finally solve Arsenal’s problem areas. Time for Saliba.

(Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)