David Luiz has signed a one-year contract extension with Arsenal, despite the Brazilian was sent off in 3-0 defeat to Man City last week.
However, Arsenal technical director Edu defended the decision, as he believes that Luiz is still a valuable player to the club.
“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,” he said.
Arsenal have also decided to offer defenders Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares permanent contracts after loan deals from Flamengo and Southampton respectively.
While Dani Ceballos has extended his loan from Real Madrid to the end of the current Premier League campaign.
“I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future,” said Arsenal’s technical director Edu.
“They have been part of the long-term technical plan (manager) Mikel (Arteta) and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad.”
Pablo Mari and Soares will complete the official move once the transfer window opens in July.
“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,” said Edu.
“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.”