David Luiz Earns High Praise But Does He Deserve New Contract?

Is Mikel Arteta actually considering a new deal for David Luiz?

Arsenal’s Brazilian centre-back earned the Man of the Match award for his exploits in the 0-0 draw against Manchester United.

He has been crucial over the past two seasons but has only be given one-year contracts. At 33, perhaps he could be kept on for one more year as the Gunners complete a transitional phase.

“It’s credit to him because he trains really hard,” Arteta said when asked about Luiz’s performances. “This season has been really tough in the beginning because he’s been through some injuries but he’s kept at it, he understood his role, he knows his role in the team, he’s one of our leaders and he’s so willing to keep improving.

“He knows the things that he’s really good at and the things where there is still room for improvement. He’s a really honest man with himself. He’s won everything and it’s a joy to work with him.

“He’s a great example for them (the youngsters). He’s got a good mixture with them between some banter and then some stick.

“They all listen to him because of who he is and what he’s done in the game. But also because how he behaves every day, how professional he is and how he goes about the job. He is one of the key role models that we have in our team.”

Luiz’s contract is set to expire but Arteta revealed he has not spoken to him about a new deal just yet.

Arteta continued, “He showed his character first of all with the decision he made to join the club when he was with a club where he was winning trophies and he was still comfortable and under contract.

“And he wanted a challenge. And at that age, it tells your everything because normally at that age the challenge is not sporting but more a financial decision that you take to go to a different country.

“But David loves this game so much and he wants to keep playing at the highest level in a very competitive league. This is the challenge that he’s enjoying at the moment.”