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David Luiz has been linked with a return to Benfica, the first European club that he played for before moving to Chelsea in January 2011.
It was revealed last week that, contrary to the understanding of most people, the defender’s current deal at Arsenal expires on June 30th, and, although there is an option for another year, Arsenal are not expected to exercise it.
That means he will become a free agent this summer and, according to the Portuguese media, he is in discussions about a return to the club where he spent four years, and still feels an emotional affinity.
Luiz’s exit is likely to be part of a complete defensive overhaul at the Emirates this summer, with Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopolous, and Rob Holding all set to be moved on by Mikel Arteta as well.
William Saliba, after his loan spell with Saint-Etienne will be joining the club, whilst Pablo Mari’s loan is likely to be converted into a permanent deal.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.