‘Keep an eye’: Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal could replace 57-capped rock this summer

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Fabrizio Romano has claimed that out-of-contract defender David Luiz could be replaced this summer should the 57-time Brazilian international leave the Gunners.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, the Sky Sports Italia journalist laid out what Arsenal are looking for in the summer when it comes to defensive recruitments, with Romano revealing that a new right-back will be on the agenda for Arsenal with Hector Bellerin likely to leave, as well as some details on a potential new centre-back.

Romano said: “Arsenal are going for a new right-back. Bellerin will maybe leave the club in the summer but also keep an eye on a potential new centre-back for Arsenal. They are also considering a move for a new defender if David Luiz doesn’t stay.”

Luiz has been at Arsenal for two seasons and is highly likely to leave the club this summer, with The Evening Standard reporting that the Gunners are yet to open fresh contract negotiations for the former Chelsea defender as they weigh up their options ahead of the transfer window.

Arsenal have several centre-backs on their books, with Rob Holding signing a new deal this season as well as the likes of William Saliba and Konstantinos Mavropanos also out on loan for the year. Pablo Mari and Gabriel Magalhaes are also on long-term contracts with the north London side.

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With five first-team centre-backs in total as well as Calum Chambers able to operate in the position, Arsenal are well stocked when it comes to this area of the pitch.

Whilst there’s no problem in signing an extra defender should Luiz leave the club this summer, those finances could be better spent on more urgent matters.

Indeed, with Saliba likely to return to Arsenal next season and get his first taste of first-team football, the Gunners will have plenty of options at the back even with Luiz out of the picture.

With the right-back position likely to be improved upon this summer, any extra funds that can be used to bring in the ideal player to fill in that role will be a better idea than an already jam-packed area of the squad.