Agent points out ‘several’ Arsenal issues extending past Luiz contract
The agent of David Luiz, Kia Joorabchian, says Arsenal will have more clarity over their defender’s future in the coming days.
Luiz’s deal runs out on June 30 after it became clear he only signed a one-year deal from Chelsea..
Joorabchian confirmed earlier this month that he is in talks with Arsenal to trigger the one-year extension in the contract.
However, negotiations have been a struggle amid the impact of the global pandemic on football clubs.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has said he wants Luiz to stay. However, he admitted doubt about the prospect on Wednesday.
Joorabchian told talkSPORT on Thursday: “The contract situation has dragged on not because of the will of David or Arsenal to finalise but really the situation that has occurred with the pandemic.
“The situation from Arsenal’s point of view will be resolved this week.”
However, the agent also hinted that the futures of the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka are also delaying negotiations.
“The situation from Arsenal’s point of view will be resolved this week. Not just David Luiz’s situation.
“There are several issues within the whole structure that will be resolved.”
Luiz faced criticism on Wednesday, when be became the first player to be sent off, concede a penalty and commit an error leading to an opposition goal in a Premier League match since 2015.
The Brazilian’s poor touch allowed Raheem Sterling to put Manchester City ahead.
Shortly after, he pulled back Riyad Mahrez in the penalty area, allowing Kevin de Bruyne to put City 2-0 ahead.
In the process, Michael Oliver produced a red and sent Luiz walking the long path to the tunnel.
LUIZ’S POST-MATCH INTERVIEW
After his ill-fated cameo, Luiz requested a post-match interview with Sky Sports.
The defender said: “It’s not the team’s fault, it was my fault. Today I think the team did well, especially with 10 men, the coach is amazing, the players did amazing, it’s just my fault.
“I took the decision to play, I should have taken another decision in the last two months, but I didn’t.
“It was all about my contract, whether I stay or not. I have 14 days to be here, and that’s it. Today was my fault.”