Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has seemingly ended speculation linking David Luiz with a move to the Portuguese club, saying the defender is “preparing to renew” his contract at Arsenal.
The Brazilian had been linked with a return to Benfica, who he joined back in 2007, as discussions over his future in North London appeared not to be forthcoming.
Luiz is set to become a free agent this summer, having joined the Gunners on an initial one-year deal from Chelsea last year.
The defender has openly admitted to speaking to Benfica about a possible return to Portugal, but Vieira has revealed Luiz will more than likely remain an Arsenal player next season.
"I spoke to him again yesterday. We have a father-to-son relationship," Vieira told Record.
"He was in the car with his agent, preparing to renew his contract with Arsenal.
"He is someone who loves Benfica, but there is something else he is: he is a great professional and has to earn money.
"What he earns is unthinkable for Benfica to pay. If David Luiz comes to a day when he says 'I want to leave here', if he is 35 years old, in perfect condition, we will take David Luiz of course.
"If he came, it would have to be for a million, but as a father, I would say 'No, David, you’re not coming, don’t be crazy. You have to make money!'
"When the football is over, nobody goes after him. If he came today, he would have to come under these conditions, otherwise, he could not come."
