Arsenal defender David Luiz confirms Benfica transfer talks with Gunners contract set to expire next month
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DAVID LUIZ has already held talks with former club Benfica about a return once his Arsenal contract expires.
The Gunners are set to wave goodbye to the centre-back at the end of June after it emerged his deal was due to run out.
Luis Filipe Vieira, club president of Benfica, is plotting a move to secure his former star's services, Luiz has confirmed.
He told Portuguese newspaper : "I already spoke with Vieira about the return.
"My dream is to end my career at Benfica.
"When, I don't know, but it will happen... it will, if president Vieira allows me and if the fans want me to come back.
";It will be one of the most beautiful moments of my career."
Brazil international Luiz first arrived at Lisbon club Benfica while still a teenager, signing as a little-known prospect on an initial loan deal from Vitoria.
In four-and-a-half years at Estadio da Luz, his crowning moment came as an essential part of the 2009/10 Primeira Liga winning side.
Arsenal have until June 23 to ensure Luiz does not leave at the end of the month.
They have the option of negotiating a new deal until the 2019/20 season finally ends - but are reportedly not considering doing so.
The player, who arrived from Chelsea for £8million on last summer's deadline day, is thought to be earning £110,000-a-week.
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Instead, the Gunners are said to be considering making Pablo Mari's loan move from Flamengo permanent for £10million.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will also have a fit-again Calum Chambers back for next season, as well as incoming Saint-Etienne loanee William Saliba.
Something of an overhaul is mooted in the Emirates Stadium defence with the club open to offers for Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
