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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta appears to confirm David Luiz will make summer exit

Football

By Mirror | May 10, 2021

**Arsenal's David Luiz** [Reuters, Eddie Keogh]

Mikel Arteta has appeared to confirm David Luiz's looming summer exit from Arsenal.

The Brazilian defender's contract at the Emirates runs out at the end of the season with no signs of an extension coming his way.

And ahead of the second leg of Arsenal's Europa League semi-final against Villarreal, Gunners boss Arteta has suggested Luiz could be heading for the exit door this summer.

He said: "It's true for some players it might be their last season for different reasons.

"I can see how much it means to them and how much they want it."

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The 34-year-old has only made one appearance since March but Arteta hasn't ruled out utilising him against the Spanish side on Thursday night despite picking up a knock in the 2-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend.

Asked if Luiz will be available, he replied: "With David, it's always possible. He has made an incredible effort to be in the position he's in today."

CBS Sports reports that he could be on the move to the MLS with Lazio also keen on the centre-half.

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus, left, reacts as Arsenal's David Luiz, right, takes the ball during the FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley in London, England, Saturday, July 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Childs,Pool)

Arteta has various injury concerns at the back with Kieran Tierney also sidelined at the moment

Cedric Soares is in contention to fill the void at left-back but Arteta admitted Calum Chambers is also an option.

He added: "Cedric's been a bit unfortunate because he played some good games as a right-back. He played some as a left-back but it's true that Calum (Chambers) came on and did really well."

Arsenal are hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg as Villareal took control of the tie in Spain last week.

Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol gave the La Liga outfit an early two-goal advantage before Nicolas Pepe secured a priceless away goal from the penalty spot.

It was a heated encounter as both sides finished the match with ten men as Dani Ceballos and Etienne Capoue were given their marching orders in the second half.