Arsenal complete flurry of deals before deadline

 

Arsenal have confirmed that David Luiz has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2020/21 season, while fellow defenders Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares will join on long-term deals from Flamengo and Southampton, respectively, when the transfer window opens. 

 

Dani Ceballos has also agreed to a deal that will see him remain at the club until the end of the current campaign. 

 

"We are delighted to confirm that defenders David Luiz, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have agreed contracts to stay with us beyond the end of this season," a statement read on the official Arsenal website. 

 

"In addition midfielder Dani Ceballos has extended his loan from Real Madrid until the end of the current 2019/20 season. 

 

"David Luiz, who signed from Chelsea last summer, has agreed a new one-year deal. Pablo will complete his formal move from Flamengo on a long-term deal when the transfer window opens next month. Cedric will also join us permanently on a long-term deal from Southampton." 

 

 

On the deals, Arsenal technical director Edu said: "I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future. They have been part of the long-term technical plan Mikel and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad. 

 

"David is a really important player for us. He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team. His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch. He helps everyone.

 

"With Pablo we’re all disappointed he got injured at Manchester City. Since Mikel arrived here he was asking for a central defender who was left-footed. We were really pleased with Pablo - his behaviour, the way he is training, his mentality and his quality. Unfortunately, he has that injury but of course we are really happy to keep him for the future.

 

"Cedric is also going to be an important player. He has been unlucky with the injuries but he is close to being ready and gives us more strength in the right-back position. We’re also pleased Dani will finish the season here. He is making a good contribution and we look forward to him having a strong finish to the season."

 

Arsenal have lost at Manchester City and Brighton since lockdown ended and will hope to returning to winning ways when they face Southampton this week.