Arsenal considered Ecuadorian 27-year-old in case David Luiz deal failed | OneFootball

Arsenal considered signing Ecuador defender Robert Arboleda as they were trying to sign David Luiz according to reports from Brazil.

David Luiz was a surprising addition to the Arsenal ranks this summer with his name only being linked with the club shortly before he moved.

It seems, if we are to believe the report from Brazil, that Arsenal also inquired about signing Arboleda from Sao Paulo on Edu’s recommendation. The deal, apparently, ‘hit the post’ after a few days of discussions, and it is claimed he was ‘Plan B’ with Luiz the main target.

In other words, the club were lining up a back-up centre-back option in case the Luiz deal stalled.

“We were approached by Arsenal three days before the end of the transfer window in England,” a source told journalist Jorge Nicola.

Arsenal apparently wanted the player on loan with an obligation to buy the 27-year-old at the end of the season when they were a bit more cash-rich and it could hint at where the club will look next summer when the window opens again. A price was even discussed.

Arboleda is reportedly still for sale and it is not clear why the deal ‘hit the post’ in the summer window (most likely because Arsenal landed Luiz) but one thing is for sure – the UK media never mentioned Arboleda as an Arsenal target.

He is under contract until 2022 and has an estimated market value of just over £2m although he will likely move for more than that when that time comes