Paris
Arsenal should offer defender David Luiz a new contract – but only if he accepts reduced wages, according to former Gunners star Paul Merson.
The Brazilian is out of contract on June 30 and it remains to be seen whether he will be extending his stay at Emirates Stadium.
If the Gunners hierarchy are wavering about whether to keep Luiz, he will have done little to help his cause with a disastrous 25-minute substitute performance against Manchester City on Wednesday, which saw him give away a goal, concede a penalty and get sent off.
He will now serve a two-match ban which means he will not be able to feature again for the Gunners this season unless he signs a short-term extension before the June 23 deadline.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep Luiz but admitted on Wednesday that the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus shutdown means the club hierarchy may decide against offering him fresh terms. Meanwhile, his agent Kia Joorabchian revealed on Thursday he expects Luiz’s future to be resolved “this week”.
Merson accepts financial issues may force the club to let Luiz go but, if he is willing to lower his demands, he still feels the former Chelsea and Benfica man has something to offer.—AFP