Kevin Campbell has claimed that David Luiz could be released by Arsenal this summer to make space on the wage bill and for the return of William Saliba.
The 56-cap Brazilian is entering the last few months of his deal with the Gunners and is set to be a free agent at the end of the season with Mikel Arteta remaining unconcerned by his situation.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Highbury favourite believes the north London outfit hold the upper hand with regards to Luiz’s current predicament.
Campbell said: “There is an opportunity to look at that in the summer. They might be able to bring two or three players in if they get Luiz off the wage bill, he will be on a good whack. Is it something Mikel Arteta is looking at? I am sure the club is looking at it.”
“But, come the summer, Gabriel will have been at Arsenal for a season, Holding will have been there another season and Saliba will be coming back from Nice. It is just a matter of which way Edu and Arteta want to go. The ball is definitely in Arsenal’s court right now.”
Should Arsenal hand David Luiz a new deal?
Yes
No
Luiz’s situation is far more complicated than it seems. Whilst he’s been up and down since his move from Chelsea, he’s been far more consistent in his performances since his disaster class away to Manchester City last season.
His experience and ability on the ball will be hard to replace for Arteta, who seemingly relies on the Brazilian both on and off the field. The Spaniard lauded the South American’s influence at the club as he labelled him a ‘leader‘ when speaking about the 33-year-old.
For all the issues he’s faced since arriving two summers ago, one thing is clear, Luiz has lifted a piece of silverware with Arsenal. Knock him all you want but his displays in last season’s FA Cup campaign directly contributed to a successful year for the side, and you have to wonder, would it be wise to release him given his experience?
In other news, Kevin Campbell has backed this star to start versus Leeds United.
