Jamie Carragher warns Mikel Arteta about letting David Luiz leave

Arteta may be without Luiz next season (Picture: Getty)

Jamie Carragher believes it’s a risk for Mikel Arteta to let David Luiz leave Arsenal, because it will leave the defence with a lack of experience.

Arsenal are yet to trigger a one-year extension in the former Chelsea centre-half’s contract and it’s thought he could be allowed to depart on a free transfer.

Luiz has been one of the most impressive performers under Arteta – who is thought to be keen to keep him – but club chiefs think highly of William Saliba, who is currently on loan at St Etienne.

And while Carragher has heard good things about the 19-year-old, he does fear the Gunners could lack experience in their backline if Luiz is allowed to leave.

‘It’s been entertaining,’ Carragher told Sky Sports of Luiz’s time in the Premier League. ‘I think that’s the first thing you’d say, maybe that’s not something you’d not want to be described as as a defender.

‘Hes not going to change when he went to Arsenal, no manager is going to change David Luiz.

Carragher warned Arsenal over letting Luiz go (Picture: AMA/Getty)

‘He’s had success through his career, hes went for big money, he’s got some great qualities.

‘I think of him at his best in being in the middle of a back three with [Antonio] Conte in the year they won the title, I think that was the best position for him, I think Conte got the best out of him, we saw the real big strengths of David Luiz.

‘We know about him technically, but he is a leader in some senses as well, he’s got a huge frame, he’s a real physical presence as well.

‘I think actually being in the middle of that back three with real defenders either side of him, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta, I think really saw the best of him. That’s how I certainly remember him.

‘At times we know he can lack concentration, make poor decisions and that’s cost certain teams. I think that’s why he’s always moved on in his career.

‘I think a manager feels he can get the best out of him, he’s got some great qualities, but when you’d got him for a year or two you think, “no, I can’t put up with the other stuff that he brings to the club as well”, and maybe that’s what Arteta’s seen.

‘I do know Arsenal are really excited by the prospect of Saliba coming in from Saint-Etienne. But he’s only 19 so you’d still think they need a little bit more experience in that position. I do know the club are very excited about him coming in.

‘To be honest it’s no surprise to me that they won’t be renewing David Luiz’s contract.’