Carragher makes Luiz admission as defender looks set to leave Arsenal

Jamie Carragher has admitted he is not surprised that Arsenal won’t be offering David Luiz a contract extension after it emerged the centre-back is likely to leave the Emirates at the end of the season. 

The Brazilian defender joined the Gunners from Chelsea in an £8million transfer last summer, and has since gone on to make 32 appearances for the North London club in all competitions.

It was originally thought that Luiz had signed a two-year deal, however it was revealed this week that he only penned an initial 12 month contract and the club have no plans to open negotiations over new terms with the 33-year-old.

And speaking to Sky Sports, cited on The Mirror, Carragher says a combination of Luiz’s erratic style and the arrival of William Saliba ahead of next season means it is no shock that he will be allowed to depart.

“We know he can lack concentration and make poor decisions and that’s cost certain teams. That’s why he’s moved on in his career,” the former Liverpool stalwart said.

“I know Arsenal are really excited about the prospect of Saliba coming in who will be joining next season. He’s only 19, so I still think they need a little bit more experience in that position.

“To be honest, it’s no surprise they won’t be renewing David Luiz’s contract.”

Luiz has had two separate spells in the Premier League, enjoying a successful three-years with Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 before moving to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain.

 

 

He then returned to Stamford Bridge in 2016, winning the Premier League under Antonio Conte in his first season back, but forced through another switch away from the Blues in order to join Unai Emery’s Arsenal last August.

He’s been a regular for the Gunners, but has failed to fix the defensive problems that have held them back in recent years and may now be on his way out as Mikel Arteta looks to make the squad his own despite the defender being willing to extend his stay with his current employers.

When asked to reflect on Luiz’s career, Carragher added: “It’s been entertaining although maybe that’s something you don’t want to be described about as a defender really.

“He’s not going to change how he plays – no manager’s going to change David Luiz.

“He’s had success through his career, he’s went for big money, he’s got great qualities.

“I think of him at his best in the middle of a back three under [Antonio] Conte the year they won the title and I think that was the best position for him.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been in contact with the representatives of a Schalke star to offer him a ‘tailor-made project’, according to reports.

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