Arsenal are about to conclude another frustrating season that will force the club to make big decisions. With several players expected to be on the verge of an exit after a new disappointing year, David Luiz and Willian may be the first ones to leave.
The defender's contract expires this summer and it was reported that there won't be a renewal. The 34-year-old landed to the Gunners in 2019 and provided experience but his form wasn't great and had also struggled with injuries. His spell at the Emirates had ups and downs, as he improved his performances once Mikel Arteta arrived, but the club seems no longer interested in keeping such a veteran player.
On the other hand, the Brazilian midfielder's signing turned out to be one of the biggest failures in the team's recent years. Willian put pen to paper to a three-year deal with Arsenal last summer when his contract with Chelsea expired, but he was never up to the expectations and his time at is set to be over way sooner than expected. While their careers are heading to their final stages, the two of them may already be thinking about their next destinations.
A possible new spell in Europe for David Luiz
The former Chelsea and PSG center-back is not expected to be staying for another year at Arsenal and he might be considering new options for his future. David Luiz has expressed his desire to return to Benfica someday, but timing may not be good right now as the Portuguese side already has Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen in its squad.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho's arrival at AS Roma could open the doors for the defender. As The Special One wants to upgrade his team in his first year at Italy's capital city, landing Luiz for free could be a good move that wouldn't require taking a big risk. Both know each other from their time at Chelsea, and the next season might see them together again.
Another Premier League team, with a lower profile than Arsenal, might also be on the books if it can meet the Brazilian's salary demands. An MLS move wouldn't be crazy as long as he accepts a huge pay cut, as it seems unlikely that American sides afford his current contract and place him as the designated player. Besides, David Luiz is understood to be eager to continue in Europe a bit more, but if that doesn't happen, he would be willing to return to Brazil.
Despite his wishes, Willian might have to leave the Old Continent
Unlike his current teammate, Willian wouldn't have many options to continue his career in one of Europe's top five leagues. That would only happen if he suddenly accepts a huge decrease to his wage, and his next team should be either a modest side that lacks a player with his experience or a stronger one that would be interested in having him as an eventual backup.
At his 32 years of age and after a poor spell in Arsenal, it seems like his career in the continent's top competitions could be over unless someone surprises us. The MLS seems a much more likely destination for the winger, who has been on Inter Miami's radar last season.
The Herons might be linked with him once again, but they already have all the designated player slots filled. Willian could only arrive at South Florida if either the club releases one of its current highest-paid stars or the Brazilian agrees to a much lower salary.
Another Major League Soccer side where he could arrive is at New York City FC. The team from the Big Apple have one remaining Designated Player slot available and a big-name player like Willian could be worthy of filling that vacancy. Besides, the attacker stated that he wouldn't be interested in returning to his country yet, but he didn't seem reluctant to moving to the US if he couldn't stay in Europe.
