David Luiz refused to train with Chelsea on Wednesday to force his move to Arsenal. The 32-year-old reportedly was promised a back-up option for the upcoming season by Lampard.
The centre-back has signed for the Gunners on a two-year deal for £8m on Thursday. Ex-Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes Lamp made a right call by letting the defender leave.
“Maybe David Luiz got a bit of insight that he wouldn’t be starting for Chelsea, and I like that about Frank Lampard,” he told the BBC.
“That he’s said early whether or not he’ll be part of his plans or not, and then he can move on.
The figure is quite low but you don’t want people around that you know will hinder the mentality of the squad.”
“A lot of purists wouldn’t agree that David Luiz cures Arsenal’s defensive problems. But I would say that if he plays in a back three it would massively help them defensively,” Jenas added.
“When he plays in a back four he can be a bit of a liability. But Unai Emery likes playing with three at the back so, for £8m, it’s a huge purchase.”