David Luiz has started five of the last six games for Arsenal across all competitions; 33-year-old defender praised by Mikel Arteta for his influence around the younger members of the Gunners squad; No discussions yet over new contract
Sunday 31 January 2021 23:55, UK
Mikel Arteta says David Luiz is a "key role model" for his Arsenal youngsters but he admits the club are still yet to open contract talks with the Brazilian.
The 33-year-old defender has started five of the last six games for the Gunners across all competitions, helping Arteta's side keep four clean sheets during an upturn in form for the club.
Luiz was named man of the match during the goalless draw at home to Manchester United on Saturday and Arteta praised the impact the Champions League winner has had on and off the pitch - especially with the younger players at the Emirates.
"It's credit to him because he trains really hard," Arteta said when asked about Luiz's recent performances.
"This season has been really tough in the beginning because he's been through some injuries but he's kept at it, he understood his role, he knows his role in the team, he's one of our leaders and he's so willing to keep improving.
"He knows the things that he's really good at and the things where there is still room for improvement. He's a really honest man with himself. He's won everything and it's a joy to work with him.
"He's a great example for them (the youngsters). He's got a good mixture with them between some banter and then some stick.
"They all listen to him because of who he is and what he's done in the game. But also because how he behaves every day, how professional he is and how he goes about the job. He is one of the key role models that we have in our team."
Arteta has sent William Saliba out on loan, seen Sokratis Papastathopoulos' contract mutually terminated and all but cut Shkodran Mustafi out of the first-team picture.
The former Chelsea player has forged a centre-back partnership with Rob Holding but Arteta added there have been no discussions over a new deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.
Asked if he spoken to Luiz about an extension, Arteta replied: "No, there are still a few months to go on that. I all the time talk to him about this kind of thing so we're in a good position.
"He showed his character first of all with the decision he made to join the club when he was with a club where he was winning trophies and he was still comfortable and under contract.
"And he wanted a challenge. And at that age it tells your everything because normally at that age the challenge is not sporting but more a financial decision that you take to go to a different country.
"But David loves this game so much and he wants to keep playing at the highest level in a very competitive league. This is the challenge that he's enjoying at the moment."
When pushed to say whether he wants Luiz to stay at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta added: "What I want is for him to keep performing like this to the end of the season."
