Transfer Centre

Benfica president confirms David Luiz will stay at Arsenal

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 June 2020

Benfica chief confirms Luiz will stay at Arsenal

David Luiz will renew his contract with Arsenal, according to Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira, who had hoped to sign the centre-back.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has revealed that David Luiz is set to renew his contract with Arsenal.

The Brazilian centre-back signed a one-year deal with the Gunners last summer that has the option of a further 12 months.

With Arsenal delaying talks over fresh terms, Luiz admitted that he would be open to returning to former club Benfica.

However, Vieira expects the 33-year-old to sign a new deal with Arsenal and says that he is happy to bide his time before reuniting with the defender.

"We spoke again [on Sunday]," he told BTV. "We have a father-son relationship.

"He was in a car with businessman, preparing to renew his contract with Arsenal. He is someone who loves Benfica, is a great professional but has to earn money. What he earns [with Arsenal] is unthinkable for Benfica to pay.

"If David Luiz one day decides 'I want to leave here', is 35 years old and in perfect condition, of course we would take him. [But] eight million [in wages] would have to be one million.

"But, as a father, I would say no. I'd say: 'oh, David, you're not coming, don't be crazy.'"

Luiz has made 32 appearances for Arsenal since signing from Chelsea in an £8m deal.