Edu reacts as Arsenal confirm three new contracts

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Edu has reacted on Arsenal’s official website after the Gunners agreed permanent deals for Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares, as well as extending David Luiz’s contract – and Dani Ceballos’ loan until the end of the season.

The heavily-criticised Luiz was set to see his contract expire on June 30, but he has agreed to remain with the club for another season – not just until the end of this one. It means Luiz will remain at The Emirates until June 2021.

Meanwhile, loanees Cedric and Mari have agreed permanent moves. Spanish ace Mari has extended his loan until the end of the season, with a move from Flamengo becoming permanent when the transfer window opens.

Cedric, meanwhile, has agreed to sign a long-term contract – like 26-year-old Mari – when his Southampton contract expires. He has also initially extended his loan – and technical director Edu has reacted by praising all three players.

“I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future,” Edu said, on Mari, Luiz and Cedric. “David is a really important player for us. He has played most of our matches this season.

“His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch. He helps everyone. With Pablo we’re all disappointed he got injured. Since Mikel arrived, he was asking for a left-footed central defender.

“We were really pleased with Pablo – his behaviour, the way he is training, his mentality and his quality. Cedric is also going to be an important player. He has been unlucky but he is close to being ready.”

TBR’s view – Have Arsenal made the right decision?

Signing Cedric on a permanent deal? Good decision. Keeping Pablo Mari for the foreseeable future? Good decision, even though both players have only made a combined three appearances.

Another year of David Luiz? Poor decision. Yes, he may have a positive influence on the dressing room and boasts leadership among his many traits. But he costs goals. He is to blame for defeats. He makes mistakes.

Arsenal will have William Saliba, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers next season, and Luiz may be used as a squad player. But keeping him for another season means the Gunners fans will have to expect the mistakes to continue.