David Luiz 'to be rewarded with new Arsenal contract' at Mikel Arteta's request

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - August 17, 2019 Arsenal's David Luiz [REUTERS/David Klein]

David Luiz is in line to earn a fresh one-year extension to his Arsenal contract as a reward for his positive influence at the club.

The Brazilian defender was handed an extra 12 months on his deal in the summer with many believing he would move on at the end of this season.

But according to The Independent, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been impressed with the impact Luiz has had on the younger members of the squad and is keen for him to stick around.

The 33-year-old is considered a great character in the dressing room and has remained part of Arteta's plans on the field this season.

While he is partial to a mistake - as per his recent sending off against Wolves - Luiz is also a much-needed source of experience.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Leeds United - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - February 14, 2021 Arsenal's David Luiz and Dani Ceballos in action with Leeds United's Mateusz Klich [Pool via REUTERS/Julian Finney]

He has already featured 20 times for Arsenal this season, helping to ease their various injury issues, and started in the 4-2 win over Leeds on Sunday.

Speaking about the centre-back in December, Arteta said: "That’s a key word [leadership]. In this moment, you want players to take ownership, to be accountable when they go on the pitch and you need leaders to inspire others.

“That gives security to the players. Obviously, David’s experience and what he’s achieved in the game is above everybody else in that dressing room, for sure. His experience can be really helpful."

Luiz also shares a similar tenacity for victory as his manager, evident when Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Leeds.

Prior to the decision being overturned, Luiz was straight on at the referee to award the spot kick and brandish a red card - remembering the same fate that befell him at Wolves a fortnight ago - while Arteta was doing the same from the sidelines.

Luiz also played a significant role in welcoming the likes of Gabriel and Willian to the club, and is a valuable figure behind the scenes as Arteta continues his rebuild.