Benfica president Luiz Felipe Vieira has confirmed that Arsenal defender David Luiz is on the verge of signing a new contract with the Gunners.

The Brazilian international’s current deal at the Emirates expires at the end of the month and he has spoken out in recent days about a possible return to Portugal.

However, Vieira has revealed that Luiz looks certain to stay in London, with Benfica currently unable to compete in terms of the defender’s wages, which amount to €8m a season, or £137,000 a week:

“We spoke again [on Sunday]. We have a father-son relationship. He was in a car with businessman, preparing to renew his contract with Arsenal. He is someone who loves Benfica, is a great professional [but] has to earn money. What he earns [with Arsena] is unthinkable for Benfica to pay.”

“If David Luiz one day decides ‘I want to leave here’, is 35 years old and in perfect condition, of course, we would take him. [But] eight million [in wages] would have to be one million. But, as a father, I would say no. I’d say: ‘oh, David, you’re not coming, don’t be crazy.'”

Arsenal did have an option for a further year included in the deal he signed when he joined from Chelsea last summer anyway, but there may have been some re-negotiation over his salary, considering the financial impact of the global health crisis.

The London club has already asked its players to take a 12.5% wage cut but with no revenue from season ticket sales, their losses could increase, with Luiz likely having to stay on somewhat reduce terms.