Arsenal
[Photos] David Luiz poses in Arsenal shirt after completing £8m move from Chelsea
David Luiz has been posing in his new kit after completing an £8m move to Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea this evening. See photos here
The English summer transfer window is now closed so it’s time to see what deals got over the line. Here, David Luiz has joined Arsenal…
David Luiz has been posing in his new kit after completing an £8m move to Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea this evening.
Unai Emery has been desperately trying to strengthen his options in defence throughout the summer and Arsenal’s need for a new centre-back heightened after Laurent Koscielny successfully forced a move to Bordeaux earlier this week.
After seeing enquiries for the likes of Daniele Rugani and Dayot Upamecano fall short, Arsenal made a shock move for Luiz with widespread reports claiming the centre-back missed training on Wednesday to try and push through a move to the Emirates.
It came as a surprise as Luiz was expected to play a key role under Frank Lampard but it turns out the Brazilian international decided to accept Arsenal’s approach after the new Chelsea boss made it clear he wouldn’t be a first team regular this season.
The BBC reported this morning that Luiz was due to undergo his medical at London Colney after an £8m deal had been agreed between the two clubs and the player soon arrived in North London to finalise his move.
The formalities have now been completed and Arsenal have confirmed on Arsenal.com that Luiz has joined the club on a two-year contract with the South American filling the void left behind by Koscielny at the Emirates.
After the move was announced, Emery told the Arsenal website that he’s looking forward to working with Luiz again after they enjoyed a spell together at Paris Saint-Germain:
“David has huge experience and I look forward to working with him again. He is a well known player and adds to our defensive strength.”
The 32-year-old follows Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Dani Ceballos, Nicolas Pepe and Kieran Tierney in joining Arsenal this summer and I think he could prove to be an excellent piece of business for the Gunners.
Read –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news
I’m still surprised Chelsea have agreed to strengthen a direct rival, especially as they can’t sign a replacement due to their FIFA imposed transfer ban, but it’s not the first time they’ve done business with Arsenal having sold them Petr Cech in 2015.
