The majority of Arsenal fans were delighted and surprised by the club’s success in the transfer market but as time wore on, it appeared that the hierarchy only seemed to be interested in attacking players and less inclined to bolster the defence. Although fans were given a blimmer of hope with the arrival of David Luiz.

The Boys 😎

🇧🇷 @DavidLuiz_4
🇫🇷 @MatteoGuendouzi #ARSBUR pic.twitter.com/0XbAftlH2Z

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2019

Koscieny and Mustafi were the obvious concerns and between them they had created a genuine need to plunge head first into the market, with Koscielny intent on leaving no matter what and Mustafi seen, rightly or wrongly, as the biggest liability in Arsenal’s leaky backline.

The additions of Kieran Tierney and William Saliba were excellent but one went straight out in loan, the other was unable to start the season due to injury, so where were the central defenders ?

Rugani decided to stay at Juventus to fight for his place, Cahill went to Palace, Kellermann looked less likely as the window went on and RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona, who were thought to be on Emery’s wanted list, were not available in time for the fees both clubs wanted.

The trouble was that expectations were now high and instead of accepting that Arsenal had exceeded anyone’s expectations in the transfer window, a few thought more signings were on the way. They were but it wasn’t what they wanted.

In the last 24 hours of the window as Kieran Tierney’s deal was coming to its conclusion, it was rumoured rather strongly, that Chelsea defender David Luiz (32) was a potential target, which instantly divided supporters.

“So Arsenal, they bought in good players, with Pepe, with David Luiz and people in front like Lacazette and Aubameyang. Ceballos is incredible, a top player in Spain with a good movement quality. They are good contenders”

– Pep Guardiola on Arsenal this season. #afc pic.twitter.com/HxuaJxfK6p

— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) August 16, 2019

Some mentioned the Brazilians haphazard defending, others claimed Luiz was past his best and some just couldn’t get over the fact that he played for Chelsea.

Others saw Luiz as a shrewd move that covered the next two seasons and which added quality and experience. If this was to be Koscielny’s replacement, it was an upgrade because the Frenchman was never the best with the ball at his feet and he struggled to play out from the back under Emery.

Not so Luiz, who is extremely comfortable on the ball and with going forward. Plus he can pass, long or short and will support the midfield and strikers, even picking up the odd goal in the process.

It all ended rather badly with Koscielny but it would have been worse had he stayed. The former captain’s fitness was constantly in question and it’s feasible that he wouldn’t have gone a whole season without breaking down.

He did Arsenal a favour by forcing a move and the arrival of Luiz will motivate those in the backline to become better. He will bring passion and desire, something that only Holding and Sokratis can claim and the prospect of Luiz alongside the solid Greek is going to be quite something.

David Luiz: “I’m so happy to be here & also enjoy these quality players. I think this team has a lot to do, it can improve a lot, it can fight in other competitions, so we’re going to go step-by-step. Everyone wants to learn & improve, we want to make this club shine again.” #afc pic.twitter.com/3KNcih2ESo

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 17, 2019

Luiz is a stopgap but will prove his worth the season by helping the younger players and showing leadership skills in big games.
£8m will be seen as a bargain if Arsenal, with the help of Luiz can claim a champions league slot.

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