David Luiz 'turned down moves to Marseille & Salernitana' following Arsenal exit

David Luiz has reportedly snubbed moves to both Ligue 1 and Serie A since leaving Arsenal on a free transfer this summer as he continues the search for his next club.

The centre-back departed the Emirates in July after the club decided not to extend his contract, keen to get his £100,000-a-week salary off their wage bill, and he has since been on the lookout for the next chapter in his career - linked heavily with a move back to Brazil with Flamengo.

And according to Le 10 Sport, Luiz has already said no to two offers from Europe - one from Marseille, and another from Salernitana in the Italian top flight - but neither bid will succeed as he is intent on returning home.

Marseille 'have tried all summer' to lure the player to the Stade Velodrome, with coach Jorge Sampaoli and president Pablo Longoria heavily involved in talks, the report claims.

Having failed initially, the French outfit returned to the table to convince him futher, it says, and while Luiz listened to the proposal, he still could not be swayed.

Newly promoted Serie A outfit Salernitana also tried their luck - hoping their high profile arrival Franck Ribery might help persuade Luiz to make the move - but he turned down their advances too, according to the claims.

Flamengo had emerged as the leading contenders to snap up the free agent and in August it was reported the Brazilian outfit were 'optimistic' they could pull off a deal.

The 34-year-old is said to have previously met with Flamengo's vice president Marcos Braz and football director Bruno Spindel, with the Brazilian club pair said to be on a mission to bring in high-profile players.

Globo claimed Flamengo had already agreed financial terms with the player, but that Luiz is taking time to reach a decision over his next move as he wants to find a project that 'touches his heart'.

At club level, Luiz has a CV to envy with a host of trophy wins to boast - including the Champions League, the Europa League, the Premier League title and the FA Cup - plus a clean sweep of silverware in France.

He made his name with Chelsea - signing from Benfica in 2010 - and going on to make 143 appearances, before joining PSG for two seasons.

Luiz then returned to Stamford Bridge for a further three years before moving to rivals Arsenal for an £8million fee. He played 73 times for the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2019-20.