Arsenal transfer news: David Luiz could leave this summer as Gunners could make defensive clear out

David Luiz may be on his way out of Arsenal after it was reported that his contract expires this summer with no talk of extending his stay coming from the Gunners - and his departure could be just one part of a major defensive reshuffle.

It could be a testing summer for Arsenal in the transfer market with both of their star strikers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette being targeted by big clubs around Europe.

And with money tight after another year outside of the Champions League even before the current crisis, the Gunners may have to make some painful decisions this summer.

The Luiz situation could be just the start.

The Brazilian arrived last summer from Chelsea on what was thought to be a two-year deal, but Sky Sports News are now reporting it is just a 12-month contract - and so far there has been no move to offer him a new one at the Emirates.

Luiz made 25 Premier League appearances for the Gunners before the season was suspended, helping to keep six clean sheets and allowing 30 goals to be conceded.

New boss Mike Arteta is said to be a fan, but as yet no move has been made to keep him, and he could be a casualty of more cost-cutting by the club - who will tighten their belts this summer after spending big last summer on the likes of Nicolas Pepe.

Defence has been a major weak point for some time, and Luiz could join Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis (both out of contract next year) in making a summer departure, with £30m signing from last summer William Saliba set to return from his loan move from St Etienne.

Pablo Mari is also set to join permanently after his loan move from Flamengo, while Rob Holding is one of the few remaining centre halves Arteta has faith in.

It's a tough choice for Arteta though, whether to go to the board and insist they keep hold of Luiz, who for all his ability can also be a liability at the heart of the defence. No player conceded more penalties in the 2019/20 campaign than him.

He is also said to be a good influence on the younger players, but it could be an ideal time to make a clean sweep and start fresh in fixing a defence that has continually held Arsenal back over the last few years.

Luiz could well make Portugal his next move, judging by recent comments reported on the Benfica website.

“I always said that I would like to end my career at Benfica," he said. "I love Benfica. My dream is to step on the pitch of Estadio da Luz in their colours. In football everything changes, what is true today, tomorrow is a lie, but my feeling is not!"

Follow Sporting Life on social - find us on Facebook here or tweet@SportingLifeFC

Related football content

• How Klopp got to the top
• Analysis: Salah's scoring exploits
• Jack's the lad for United
• Kuntz remembers Euro 96
• The Championship's Team of the Season (so far)
• Bundesliga: Dortmund grind out victory
• Time for Nubel's Schalke return
• Football adjusts to the Geisterspiel
• Laura Woods: Jäger bomb before a first date
• Why Henderson deserves Man Utd shot
• Sporting Life App: Android & iOS

Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.