Nigel Winterburn has expressed his surprise that Chelsea allowed David Luiz to leave the club, but said that Arsenal have got themselves quite a player.
The 32-year-old completed a deadline day move from Stamford Bridge and moved to north London in a deal worth £8million.
Speaking to Sporting Bet , Winterburn has backed the Brazilian to make a real impact at the Emirates Stadium, as well as helping some of the younger squad members to reach their potential.
He said: "I’m really surprised that Chelsea allowed Luiz to leave to join a direct rival who are fighting for same fourth position in the league, especially considering their transfer ban.
"Only Frank Lampard and David Luiz will know the ins and outs but Chelsea’s loss is Arsenal’s gain. It will come as no shock to anyone that Arsenal were desperate for a defender and they have signed a top, experienced centre-half in David Luiz.
"He has been erratic at times but on the flip side, he’s very, very good on the ball, he can make forward passes, he’s athletic and is a very strong defender on his day. He will slot into the team straight away and I think he will develop a really strong partnership with Sokratis.
"Arsenal need the centre-backs to be very stable if they are to have a realistic chance of finishing in the Top Four, because that is what has let the team down over the last two years. His experience at the top level of the game will be so valuable for the likes of Rob Holding and Callum Chambers to learn from.
"Both Luiz and Sokratis will need to be at the top of their game as both Chambers and Holding will be challenging for their positions.
"Chambers put in a perfect performance against Newcastle on the opening game of the season, his loan spell at Fulham seems to have done him the world of good.
"Likewise, Rob Holding was Arsenal’s most consistent player before his injury last season so when he is match-fit, he’ll be knocking on the managers door expecting to play.
"Arsenal now have a number of good defensive option, which again, is a good problem to have."
