Still, as an experienced defender signing on a two year deal, there was an element of pragmatism about the agreement which most Arsenal fans could accept, even if they felt a younger option would have been preferable.
Luiz though, in his career at the Emirates before the suspension of football due to the coronavirus hardly covered himself in glory. Always prone to mistakes anyway, he served up plenty, giving away three penalties and picking up a red card on his return to his former club. Although he had begun to show signs of improvement since Mikel Arteta was appointed as manager, there were still many supporters doubting the wisdom of signing him.
Then, during the lockdown, reports surfaced in the media that the deal had cost Arsenal much more than first reported. In addition to the 8 million given to Chelsea, there was a further 6 million paid to agents and other intermediaries to facilitate the deal. And when the cost of his wages was taken into account as well, the cost to Arsenal was almost three times what was reported.
At the same time, it emerged that he had not signed a two year deal, but a one year contract with an option for a further year. And Arsenal have not yet decided to exercise that option, with his contract due to expire at the end of June.
This was the backdrop to his extraordinary cameo against Manchester City in Arsenal’s first game back after the restart. Luiz did not even start the match. He was named amongst the substitutes, but had to come on in the 24th minute when Pablo Maris hamstring went.
The 25 minutes he spent on the pitch will live long in the memory of Arsenal fans for the wrong reason. Arsenal had struggled to contain City, but, in large part due to the heroics of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, had kept the score at nil-nil just before half-time, when Luiz hopelessly misjudged a clearance, and allowed the ball to bounce off his thigh to Raheem Stirling who fired the home side in front.
Four minutes after half-time he made an even more catastrophic error when he allowed Riyad Mahrez to skip past him into the box, and pulled him down. Not only did he concede a penalty, but he earned a red card as well. He will now be banned for two games, further depleting the Arsenal resources at a time when all hands are needed on deck because of the busy schedule.
Arsenal lost 3-0 and afterwards Luiz admitted that it was all his fault, taking full responsibility, whilst admitting that his contract situation was weighing heavily on his mind. His manager Arteta still believes in him but, as far as most Arsenal fans are concerned, they will be happy if he never plays for the club again.