David Luiz Reveals Benfica Return Talks
Arsenal defender David Luiz has revealed that he has held talks with former club Benfica about a possible return to the Estadio da Luz.
Luiz only moved to North London from Chelsea last summer for a transfer fee of £8m, signing a one-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.
Despite Arsenal’s managerial position changing hands a number of times this season, Luiz has been fairly constant under Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and current boss Mikel Arteta, racking up 32 appearances in all competitions and scoring two goals.
It however remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be willing to take up the option to renew Luiz’s deal by a further 12 months, with Arteta reportedly keen to trim Arsenal’s wage bill and give opportunities to younger players.
Luiz’s first European club was Benfica, whom he joined from Brazilian side Vitoria in 2007 before being snapped up by Chelsea in January 2011.
The 33-year-old won one League title and three Portuguese league cups with Benfica.
The former Brazil international says he has already held talks with Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira as he is keen on a return to Lisbon.
"I already spoke with Vieira about the return," Luiz told Portuguese publication Record.
"My dream is to end my career at Benfica. When, I don't know, but it will happen... it will, if President Vieira allows me and if the fans want me to come back.
"It will be one of the most beautiful moments of my career."
