The transfer window might be officially over, but we still have the latest transfer news for you here on Betpack. We’ll be taking a look at some of the top transfer stories to have happened over the weekend.
Ex-Arsenal man David Luiz has completed a move to Flamengo in a deal that will see him remain with the Brazilian side until December 2022.
The 34-year-old saw his contract with Arsenal run out in June, and it was pretty evident it was game over at the club for him.
Luiz has endured a bitter-sweet time at Arsenal, but it’s safe to say he won’t be overly missed, given his exploits at the club. In his two-year stint with the club, he grew a reputation for red cards, unnecessary rash tackles, costly mistakes and bad decision-making in general. It has to be said that he did have his good days as well.
It was perhaps no surprise that the Gunners chose not to extend his contract, especially given that he was on a £100,000-a-week wage bill. For a 34-year-old who seems to be declining, the choice was obvious on the path of the Gunners.
The Brazilian defender has now departed England for Brazil and will help Flamengo in their quest to retain the Brazilian Championship.
Luiz rejected two offers before he signed for Flamengo
Despite his age and his seemingly declining form, David Luiz was not short of offers the whole summer transfer window. He was a free agent at the time and indeed had offers to choose from.
Le 10 Sport reported that the 34-year-old was on the radar of Marseille and newly-promoted Serie A side Salernitana.
Marseille took strong steps to convince the veteran defender to sign for them. In fact, it was reported that club president Pablo Longoria and Jorge Sampaoli were also heavily involved in negotiations to no avail.
Elsewhere, Salernitana also tried with an audacious move to sign Luiz. Following the capture of another veteran in Franck Ribery, the Italian side were hopeful such a move could convince Luiz, but it was far from the case.
The 34-year-old was only interested in a return back to Brazil, where he once played for Vitoria before moving to Europe in 2007. Flamengo announced the return of the Brazilian defender on their website over the weekend.
He is expected to bring leadership to a Flamengo defence looking to get back their grip on the title.
Arsenal already prepared for his departure
The Gunners already had it in mind not to extend with Luiz, and their summer activity pretty much hinted at that. The arrival of Ben White from Brighton was perhaps the biggest indication that David Luiz’ time at Arsenal was over.
If that wasn’t enough, the Gunners also signed Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day, and it is important to note that the player can fill in at centre-back if needed as well.
In his time at Arsenal, David Luiz won the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
