David Luiz has extended his contract at Arsenal until the end of the season, according to the Guardian’s Nick Ames and The Athletic’s David Ornstein. In addition, Ornstein is reporting that loanees Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari have signed four-year permanent deals with the club.
David Luiz Extends Arsenal Contract While Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari Sign Permanently
Luiz Offered a Second Chance
Brazilian defender Luiz was widely criticised for his performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last week. He was substituted on for the injured Mari midway through the first-half and was at fault for Raheem Sterling’s opener.
He then conceded a penalty in the second half and was sent off for the foul. In total, Luiz was only on the pitch for around 25 minutes.
However, he has been offered a second chance to prove himself. The former Chelsea man’s contract was set to expire on June 30, but Arsenal have just beaten today’s deadline to tie him down until the end of the extended campaign.
However, given the injury to Mari, the Gunners cannot afford to be light in the defensive department in case any more injuries occur.
Arteta’s Defensive Rebuild
As well as tying down Luiz until the end of the season, it is being reported that Mari and Cedric have signed four-year deals with the club.
Mari is on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo while Cedric was brought in from Premier League counterparts Southampton.
Portuguese Cedric is yet to feature for Arsenal having joined on loan in January. Mari, meanwhile, has only been on the pitch a handful of times, begging the question as to why the pair have been offered such long deals.
With Luiz suspended for the trip to St Mary’s and the visit to Sheffield United, the Gunners will be in need of a defensive reshuffle.
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