Arsenal exit looms as centre-back confirms Benfica transfer talks

Arsenal defender David Luiz has reiterated his desire to return to Benfica and has already held talks with the Portuguese champions.

The 33-year-old centre-back arrived from Chelsea in an £8million deal back in August after he was shown the door by Frank Lampard.

He has since racked up 32 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners and appeared 10 times in the Premier League for Mikel Arteta.

The centre-back is out of contract next month, but the club have an option to extend his contract by 12 months, but as yet have failed to trigger the deal.

That has led to speculation that Luiz could return to Portugal, where he played for for years before joining Chelsea in 2007.

Luiz’s experience has been a vital asset for Arteta since the coach replaced Unai Emery midway through the season, and the former midfielder is thought to want to keep Luiz, having sung his praises on various occasions.

However, after admitting in April he would like to return to Benfica one day, Luiz has now confirmed that he has been in touch with the club’s president Luis Filipe Vieira over a move.

“I already spoke with Vieira about the return,” Luiz told Record.

“My dream is to end my career at Benfica. When, I don’t know, but it will happen… it will, if President Vieira allows me and if the fans want me to come back.

“It will be one of the most beautiful moments of my career.”