David Luiz has officially joined Arsenal from Chelsea on a two year deal after the Gunners agreed to pay £8 million for the Brazilian. Yes, this is not the biggest deal of the century or of the week even, but the odds on this deal could not have been predicted by the best odd makers.
David Luiz has had an illustrious and entertaining career. The Brazilian impressed for Benfica before Chelsea swooped him in 2011. He was an exciting young player with a huge potential to unlock. However, his talent on the ball was ill-suited by his lack of temperament to learn and after 3 and a half seasons, he left for Paris Saint Germain.
The move last for two seasons before Chelsea sensationally signed back the defender on deadline day. Conte made him look like a world beater for a season as Chelsea won the league but the Italian fell apart with Luiz over dressing room issues.
Luiz outlasted Conte at Chelsea after a lot of conflict and it seemed all was sorted last year, when Maurizio Sarri made him a regular due to his ball playing abilities. With Sarri gone, there was a question mark.
However, it seemed Chelsea were happy with Luiz and vice-versa as both parties signed a two year extension on the Brazilian’s contract. Enter Lampard, and in one month it seems the whole situation has changed.
However, Luiz played in the pre-season and there was not a single report of the Brazilian pushing to move. It seems now, the only possible development leading to this move is that Frank has refused to guarantee Luiz the game time he needs, the primary reason for any player to move.
At Arsenal, Luiz will want to prove himself as a starting defender, which will be relatively easier given the Gunners lack of defensive options this season. Mustafi has proven himself to be a handful only for his teammates and with Koscielny leaving the club rather acrimoniously, Emery was left with young Holding and Sokratis as his only options.
Having Luiz will definitely allow Emery some wiggle room but the Spaniard must be ready for the wild card effect Luiz brings to the game. On days, Luiz is invincible and does not put a foot wrong while on others, Chelsea fans have seen him and wondered in agony.
Luiz is north of 30 and Arsenal will know that he will at best be a stop gap option but its better to have somebody than nobody. Moreover, with Luiz, there is the unexpected factor of surprise. Hopefully, Emery will have to see the lucky side of the unpredictability more in case of Luiz now.
As for Chelsea, Luiz will know he has made the move for his career, a professional stance.
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