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Arsenal: 5 David Luiz alternatives with summer exit confirmed

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: David Luiz of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on March 18, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: David Luiz of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on March 18, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrates his side’s first goal scored by Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Sign New Centre-Back

As per The Athletic, and hinted at constantly with rumours of interest for a number of targets, Arsenal will look to sign a new right-sided central defender in the summer.

How necessary is that? Rob Holding, Saliba, Mavropanos and the versatile Calum Chambers will all be options when pre-season starts, yet with intentions on securing another it becomes clear that Saliba isn’t deemed ready to be a regular fixture, Mavropanos will leave, Holding isn’t seen as the first choice either and Chambers will remain as a right-back.

It’s a lot to ask of Saliba or Mavropanos to partner Gabriel next term, while Holding is so limited in his skillset and not of the quality demanded to be a top four (that’s the aim, anyway) starting centre-back.

Thus, links to every man and his dog will now emerged, likely within hours of Luiz’s departure being announced.

Whoever comes in will have to be an experienced head. A leader on and off the pitch and with Premier League, if at the least top level, pedigree. Ibrahima Konate was seen as the big signing for Arsenal, who were pipped to the post for him by Liverpool.

This has been a plan well in the making and a younger, less footballingly stupid version of David Luiz will certainly be the profile. They need experience. Real quality.

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