Mikel Arteta says he wants David Luiz to remain at Arsenal beyond the end of his contract.
Luiz’s current £125,000-a-week deal expires on June 30 and Arsenal have not activated the 12 month extension option they hold in his contract.
In pure footballing terms Arsenal are eager to retain Luiz but his wages are a sizeable financial commitment, meaning the Gunners are looking to negotiate a new contract for the 33-year-old with a lower salary.
Talks are underway over new terms for Luiz, who is unlikely to receive a significantly better pay packet on the open market than what he could get from Arsenal, who want to retain him for next season to act as a mentor for William Saliba.
Luiz has been a Premier League ever-present for Arteta since his appointment and has consistently praised his new boss’ management style in private and in the dressing room, where he is an influential figure.
“I’m really happy with David,” Arteta said. “I want to keep him here with us.
“He’s been a key role model for me since I joined. I like what he produces on the pitch. I like his influence around the players and the club.
“I’d love to keep him.”
Arteta’s view of Luiz is shared by technical director Edu, who was crucial in securing an £8million deal with Chelsea for the veteran defender’s signature at the start of the season.
Luiz has not been an unqualified success since arriving and made several high-profile errors early in his north London career. Notably the Brazilian was also dropped by interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg before being brought back into the fold by Arteta.
Edu said of Luiz: "David is more experienced and very used to the league," Edu said. "He's a guy who can really help in the day-to-day on and off the pitch, as he's been doing.
"I already knew him well because I got to be with him at the national team when I was a coordinator and it went very well."
Arsenal have until June 23 to agree a temporary contract until the end of the season for Luiz.
