Arsenal, who are gearing up for a crucial tie against Southampton in the Premier League, have announced four new deals for their current players. Of the four, three are defenders, including David Luiz who has now gotten an extension on the Emirates Stadium deal he signed last summer.
This update might be polarizing given that the Brazilian can lose the team games such as the recent 3-0 loss to Man City. Regardless, he remains an experienced center-back, one who fits Arteta's playing style. Additionally, given the financial ramifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the north London giants appear destined to miss out on European football, the team's options are limited.
Luiz initially signed a one-year deal that would have ended this summer but has now put pen to paper on a one-year extension. Similarly, Dani Ceballos has also agreed to an extension but this new deal will simple keep him at the Emirates Stadium until the end of the current 2019/20 season, as the halt in play means the campaign will end later than initially expected.
Additionally, both Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have signed permanent contracts, having initially moved to north London on loan deals from Flamengo and Southampton, respectively. Both players are unfortunately sidelined, with the Spaniard picking up a serious in injury in the Man City defeat and his Portuguese counterpart yet to hit full match fitness.
Speaking of injuries, Arteta's side offered a positive update on Bernd Leno, who was stretchered off the pitch after an unnecessary challenge from Maupay in the 2-1 loss to Brighton. The fear was that the German keeper, who many argue has been their Player of the Season, suffered damage to his cruciate ligament. Fortunately, it has been revealed that it was a mere sprain and the shot-stopper should be back in full training in four to six weeks.
On the flip side, horrible news regarding Gabriel Martinelli emerged. The Brazilian sensation suffered a knee injury, with Arteta admitting it does not look good and confessing the teenager could be out for months.
Arsenal return to action on Thursday in Martinelli's absence and will be making the trip to St. Mary's Stadium in what is a must-win game. After back-to-back defeats in the league, Aubameyang and Co. are in dire need of a win to breathe life back into their season.
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