The Daily Mail today report that David Luiz will leave Arsenal this summer because of concerns regarding the culture and direction of the club.

David Luiz of Arsenal - Arsenal v Olympiakos, Europa League Round of 16, Emirates Stadium - 18/03/2021. Copyright: Matt Impey / Shutterstock
David Luiz of Arsenal – Arsenal v Olympiakos, Europa League Round of 16, Emirates Stadium – 18/03/2021. Copyright: Matt Impey / Shutterstock

There aren’t many Arsenal fans who wanted David Luiz to stay so the news that he won’t be renewing his deal after informing the club of his decision to leave was greeted warmly by most fans. A report that he is leaving because the club is a total shambles is likely to receive such a reception.

The Mail report that Arsenal asked intermediaries to ‘discretely’ determine if the 34-year-old would be open to a one-year extension before deciding against it, presumably after being told the Brazilian had no intention of signing it.

The paper adds, “Sportsmail understands Luiz has reservations about the culture of the club following a poor season, with Arsenal ninth in the Premier League table.”

Daily Mail David Luiz 15 May 2021
Daily Mail David Luiz 15 May 2021
Daily Mail David Luiz 15 May 2021-2
Daily Mail David Luiz 15 May 2021-2

Luiz arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2019 at a cost of £7.83m plus Arsenal wages of £120k-per-week, making him the fourth highest paid player after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Willian, and Alexandre Lacazette.

He has made 73 appearances, scored four goals and been sent off three times – three times more than he managed at Chelsea in 248 appearances.

Interestingly, The Telegraph report that Arsenal aren’t renewing his deal as they are ‘looking to the future’ in a piece that smacks of club PR.

According to a report from French journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter Luiz is on his way to the United States with David Beckham’s Inter Miami the most likely destination.