Mikel Arteta is impressed with David Luiz’s performance since he joined the Gunners and has enquired from the player’s agent, Kia Joorabchian of an extension.

The Brazilian signed an initial 12-month contract when he joined on deadline day from Chelsea to replace the club captain, Laurent Koscielny following his move to France, Bordeaux.

Arteta’s interest in the 33-year old is giant and his experience in the Arsenal team seems welcome by the manager as a deal is been prepared for David Luiz to commit his future to the Gunners for the long term.

Reports indicate that the player wants to keep playing at the Emirates and a deal could be struck in the coming weeks.

He has been featured in all the 15 games Arteta has managed since he took over from Unai Emery in December last year.

"I am really happy with David, I want to keep him here with us. He's been a key role model since I joined," said Arteta.

"I like what he produces on the pitch, I like his influence around the players and the club - I would love to keep him."

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The former Man City assistant manager is absorbed in improving his team more than seeking for new signings in such a time where coronavirus has blown the financial budget of clubs across Europe and the world at large.

Arsenal seems dormant in the transfer market and prefers to maintain its key players and develop the younger ones.

"The plans I had were not considering the coronavirus and all the side effects. We know what we need to improve the team, that is for sure," he added.

"Whether we are going to be able to do it the way we want is a different story. My focus right now is to improve the team [I already have] and get results to have the best chance possible to get into Europe."

Aubameyang’s contract talks is on and a lucrative deal is reported to be offered to the Gabonese in a bid to keep him. The likes of Nicolas Pepe, Granit Xhaka, Willock, Martinelli, and a few have all been opted to improve to better the Gunners.