Transfer Centre

David Luiz 'was Arsenal's third-choice centre-back option'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 August 2019

David Luiz was Arsenal's third choice when it came to signing a new centre-back late in the transfer window, according to a report.

Arsenal reportedly made approaches for two central defenders before completing a deal for Chelsea's David Luiz in the latter stages of the English transfer window.

The Gunners surprisingly signed Luiz from their London rivals on transfer deadline day, with the Brazil international moving across London in an £8m deal.

However, according to The Telegraph, Unai Emery's side made enquiries for both RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano and Juventus's Daniele Rugani before settling on a deal for Luiz ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

The English club did sign another centre-back during the summer in the shape of William Saliba, although the 18-year-old was immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne until next summer.

Luiz was named on the bench for Arsenal's Premier League opener against Newcastle United before coming into the XI for the clash with Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

The 32-year-old made 105 appearances during his second spell with Chelsea, while he missed just two of the club's 38 Premier League games during the 2018-19 campaign.