Arsenal have tasked David Luiz to help them with the signing of veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva.
Luiz, himself a Brazil international with 57 caps, last week committed to a new contract with Arsenal.
But, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal want Luiz to convince his international teammate Silva to make the switch to north London.
The 35-year-old centre-half is a free agent from July 1, having not had his contracted renewed with French champions PSG.
PSG sporting director Leonardo explained the decision to release Silva and Edinson Cavani was tough for them to take.
He said: “It was a very difficult decision to make. These are players who have marked the history of the club.
“Their stories were so beautiful. But yes, we are coming to the end.
“We had to make a logical decision, economically speaking and with regard to the generation that is coming through.”
The Premier League looks a realistic next destination for the player with interest from Everton and Tottenham.
But it’s reported that Mikel Arteta is desperate to get his hands on Thiago Silva in order to bring a new steely resolve to his backline.
Le10 Sport reports that Arteta has already contacted the player to discuss a potential move. However, the 89-times capped star is yet to decide where to sign next. As a result, Luiz has been drafted in as an intermediary. He has been tasked with trying to swing the pendulum Arsenal’s way.
It’s believed the much-maligned Arsenal star thinks the arrival of Thiago Silva can help improve his own game. The pair have formed a good understanding over the years.
As well as being Brazil teammates, the duo also played together at PSG for two years between 2014 to 2016.
Arsenal are reported to be confident that Luiz’s intervention will see Silva sign in what would be a major coup.
Silva was on a £300,000 a week deal at PSG, but is said to be willing to take a significant drop in wages. Nonethelss, it is reported he would ask for a six-figure weekly salary.
But as a free agent, Silva very much appeals to Arsenal and the Gunners hope Luiz can help talk him into the move.
Pundit brands Luiz extension a ‘joke’
Emmanuel Petit says Arsenal’s decision to hand David Luiz a contract extension is a “joke”. He also feels it’s a reflection of the club’s failing transfer strategy.
“David Luiz hasn’t been a proper footballer for about three years,” the pundit told Paddy Power.
“But I’m not surprised that he has been given a new contract at Arsenal, because I’ve been very disappointed in relation to the club’s activity in the transfer market.
“I’ve been particularly upset in relation to the defenders. We all know one of Arsenal’s major weaknesses is their defence and nothing has changed. This makes me miss Arsene Wenger.
“If I was David Luiz, of course I would sign a new deal. I would also say a prayer of thanks to the Arsenal directors every time I wake up!”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reported to have made an approach to sign ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’. Read that, and all the day’s other transfer rumours, here.
The post Secret agenda for David Luiz as Brazilian star nears Arsenal switch appeared first on teamtalk.com.
