"Start being harsh and make key decisions" - EPL legend slams Arsenal duo Luiz and Mustafi

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Keown has called on Arsenal to let both Luiz and Mustafi go. (Picture: Sportskeeda)

EPL defenders David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi should be let go by Arsenal this summer, as they aim to rebuild under head coach Mikel Arteta, according to club legend Martin Keown.

Keown, who made 323 EPL appearances during his career, believes that an "awful lot of work" needs to be done to fix the Gunners' defensive woes in future.

Arsenal are looking to cut costs during the coronavirus pandemic, at a time where many EPL players' futures remain uncertain - not least those with expiring deals in north London.

Luiz, a surprise deadline day acquisition from EPL rivals Chelsea in August 2019, is expected to leave on a free transfer this summer. His contract was initially a one-year deal, with the option to extend, which Arsenal have not yet tabled and are not expecting to.

Mustafi, Sokratis and Rob Holding could also be made available in the coming months, while Keown said tough decisions must be made during an exclusive talKSPORT interview.

He broke down the deal's finances before questioning the logic behind their move, telling presenter Jim White that Luiz isn't as good as he once was in the EPL.

"David Luiz concerns me because if you're going to pay £7m for him, give him £5m wages and he's only going to be there for one season, I'm not sure about the wisdom of that.
Is he a proper defender? Can he play in a back four? His best defending came when he was in a back three at Chelsea when they won the Premier League [in 2016-17]. It's the most crucial area which he [Mikel Arteta] has to get right."