Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has questioned whether signing Chelsea centre-back David Luiz is a good idea. The Gunners have agreed an £8m deal for the 32-year-old with the transfer expected to be completed before the transfer window closes this evening.

Keown says that if he was assistant to Unai Emery, he would warn the manager off signing the Brazilian. The ex-Gunner doesn’t believe the centre-half will improve the club’s defensive options:

“If I was at Arsenal and had the ear of Unai Emery, I would be advising my manager not to sign David Luiz. Walk away from this deal. This is not the defender for you. It’s too high risk. Yes, Arsenal want a centre back, but is Luiz the answer to their prayers? I don’t think so.”

Emery has worked with Luiz before at Paris Saint-Germain and is certainly aware of the Brazilian international’s ability. The departure of Laurent Koscielny meant signing another experienced defender was always on the cards.

At £8m, signing the Chelsea star is hardly a risk, but there are certainly question marks over whether the centre-back will be able to improve the club’s defence.

Arsenal conceded 51 goals in the Premier League last campaign, and that will need to improve if they want to secure a top-four finish this season.