Lazio has identified David Luiz as a transfer target as the Italians look to add some experience to their team.
Luiz is set to become a free agent in the summer with Arsenal not expected to give him a new contract.
The former Chelsea man has been at the Emirates for the last two seasons and is an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
However, he isn’t getting any younger and they will allow him to leave for nothing when this campaign finishes.
La Lazio Siamo Noi as reported by The Laziali says Lazio is looking to bolster their team with some good free agents.
They expect Luiz to be available and he is one of several defenders they want to sign from the Premier League.
Chelsea’s Thiago Silva and Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho are two other defenders they are looking at, according to the same report.
No one expected Luiz to get another Arsenal deal and it would look like an obsession with Arteta if he keeps the former Benfica man beyond this campaign.
He has had stints in Portugal and France apart from England and signing for an Italian side might be the best way for him to bid farewell to the game.
Before his injury it would have been good business to keep Luiz, but since he got hurt, offering a new contract to an older player coming off a significant injury is risky.
Arsenal have a bevy of center backs with good Premier League experience, and a couple of promising young players who might come in and make names for themselves.
A central defensive platoon of Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, William Saliba looks likely, with Luiz allowed to go and Konstantinos Mavropanos either allowed to remain at Stutgart on loan or sold permanently elsewhere.
I think Luis will see out his playing career in Portugal before going on to team Management.He has leadership qualities for a Management job, and who knows, he could be the Arsenal boss one day.
If Luiz is an “important part of part of MA’s plans ” then he will be offered a new contract – if he isn’t he won’t be offered a new contract…. end of, surely?
I’d gladly give him a lift if he’s having trouble making his way to the Italian coast, just saying
I like Luiz and wouldn’t mind seeing him stay for another year. However I understand that Arteta is keen to get on with rebuilding things properly and Luiz can’t be part of that due to his age/etc, so I guess there’s nothing wrong with getting the long-term vision of the defence set-up and working as early as possible, and that means no room for Luiz.
According to The Times, Leno is “open to a new adventure”.
Perhaps he should venture off his line a bit more to command his area, that could be his new adventure!
Too bad Leno didn’t come out and announce his “ambitions” at the end of last season.
Agree 100%
Please take him, he will enjoy life in Roma…