David Luiz has confirmed that he has been in contact with Benfica over a return to his former club amid the revelation earlier in the week that his Arsenal contract is set to expire.
Last summer the Gunners signed the Brazilian centre-back from London rivals Chelsea in an £8 million deal on transfer deadline day, with the 33-year-old considered as a direct replacement for Laurent Koscielny, who left for Bordeaux.
At the time it was widely reported that Luiz penned a two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, football.london understands the centre-back only signed a 12-month deal with an option for a further season.
Currently, that option has not been activated, leaving Mikel Arteta with the prospect of losing his most experienced defender at the end of the season.
He is reported as saying by Portuguese outlet Record : "I have already spoken with Vieira. It will happen if the President permits it and fans want me back
"‘To be able to wear that jersey again and enter the stadium is worth more than many trophies.
"Benfica doesn’t deserve me to come back without helping."
It is not the first time that Luiz has spoken about the prospect of returing to Portugal.
At the beginning of the month, Luiz hinted that he would be open to finishing his career at Benfica, where he played for four seasons between 2007 and 2011.
"I always said that I would like to end my career at Benfica," he told Brazilian television network SporTV.
"I love Benfica. My dream is to step on the pitch of Estadio da Luz in their colours."
Whether such a move is imminent remains to be seen with the Gunners appearing to hold the cards over whether to extend his stay.
