Former Arsenal defender David Luiz has agreed on a deal to join Flamengo, according to reports in Globo Esporte.
The Gunners acquired the Brazilian center-back from Chelsea in 2019. He initially signed a 12-month deal, but penned a one-year contract extension last year, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2020/21 campaign. In his two years at north London, he featured in 73 games across all competitions.
Luiz has had a trophy-laden career and has won titles in Portugal, England, and France. He has attracted admiring glances from clubs in Europe, but a return to South America looks to be the likely destination for the former Chelsea star.
As per a report in Globo Esporte, Flamengo are set to announce the signing of the Brazilian on Monday after an agreement was reached between both parties. He has been a free agent ever since his contract expired with the Gunners last season.
It is also reported that Luiz has taken a significant pay cut to secure a move back to his home country. Although the defender was approached by some clubs, he was waiting for the right proposal and seems to have found that with Flamengo.
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While the defender may have struggled at the north London club, he is still one of the biggest names in Brazilian football. He has been at fault for some goals the club conceded over the last two years, but he is, undeniably, a leader in the dressing room.
He is a very experienced defender who reads the game very well and his presence has also helped with the development of fellow Brazilian center-back, Gabriel Magalhaes. He was always a stopgap at the Emirates and did a decent job.
The 34-year-old possesses an incredible ball-playing ability and commands the defenders perfectly. However, he has reached the twilight of his career and the Gunners have made the right decision in releasing him.
The north Londoners have splashed out the cash this summer to bring in reinforcements. Ben White is one of the new signings. He is a versatile defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is considered to be one of the best English defenders in the market. Although a few eyebrows were raised, White could be a mainstay in the Gunners’ backline for years to come.
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