Arsenal are expecting a real bidding war for defender Cedric Soares with Fulham and Atletico Madrid both interested in signing him.
That’s according to the London Evening Standard, as they claim that Fulham are ready to make a formal offer for Cedric in the coming days.
The Cottagers want to sign a new right back in January and have now decided that Cedric is the man they want.
The actual structure of a deal is unknown though with Fulham considering a loan-to-buy deal or a straight cash move.
This move should appeal to Cedric; joining Fulham will allow him to stay in London, play more regular first-team football and reunite with his form Sporting boss Marco Silva.
Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid have also been in contact with Cedric’s representatives but Fulham are leading the race.
Arsenal may be happy for Cedric to leave and it looks like January suitors are queueing up.
It’s probably time for Cedric to leave Arsenal
Cedric has never been a flashy addition for Arsenal but he has been solid and dependable.
The former Southampton defender joined Arsenal on loan in 2020 before turning the move permanent.
Cedric has only made 59 appearances for Arsenal but he has given his all at both right and left back.
Now 31, Cedric needs to go and play first-team football.
With everyone fit at Arsenal, Cedric is probably third-choice on both sides behind Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney.
This move won’t exactly bring in tons of cash for Arsenal but it would be another wage off the bill, potentially putting money towards a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Cedric would leave with the best wishes of staff, players and fans at Arsenal with most surely hoping to see him thrive away from the Emirates Stadium.
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