Report: Zenit join the hunt for Arsenal star David Luiz amid conflicting contract reports

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Arsenal’s confusion over a potential contract extension for centre-back David Luiz has attracted another interested party. 

It was widely reported that the Brazilian had signed a two-year deal when arriving in a shock transfer from Chelsea last summer. 

However, it has since become clear that Luiz actually signed a one-year deal with the option of an extension. According to a recent report from Sky Sports News, Arsenal are considering the possibility of not extending that deal. 

There has been confusion in that respect, however, with The Telegraph suggesting Arsenal could still offer him a deal. 

But according to The Times, Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg are keen on the player as a potential replacement for Branislav Ivanovic. 

Luiz, a former team-mate of the Serbian at Chelsea, is seen as a potentially perfect defensive option to help Zenit improve next season and add experience to their back-line. 

The oil-rich Russian side would also have little trouble affording Luiz’s wages. The Daily Mail recently reported that Luiz has a weekly wage of £120,000-a-week deal at The Emirates. 

Of course, plenty depends on Luiz getting or not getting a new deal at Arsenal. 

Speaking to Record recently, Luiz made it clear he has ‘ambitions’ at Arsenal he wants to live ‘intensely’, so he will be hoping for that contract extension. 

But should Arsenal decide that Luiz is not currently a financially viable option, then a move to Russia might become increasingly tempting to the Brazilian.