Fulham are now hopeful of finalising the transfer of Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares in the January sales. The Cottagers are also in talks with the Gunners and the Portuguese’s agent.
That is according to Sky Sports, which reports Fulham do not need to sell Kevin Mbabu first before signing Cedric. So, Craven Cottage chiefs are now in talks with their counterparts at Emirates Stadium over a deal. Marco Silva has sought his services through the winter sales.
Silva has coveted the arrival of a new right-back having failed to see Mbabu establish a key role in west London. The 27-year-old joined Fulham from Wolfsburg last July for £6.5m but has only played in six Premier League games. He has further only started in just one match.
Fulham swiftly identified Cedric as a transfer target in January as they know Arsenal will be open to offers. The 31-year-old is now into the last 18 months of his £75k-a-week contract in north London. Silva’s side also hope to use Cedric’s contract to drive down the price tag.
No fees have yet been agreed between Arsenal and Fulham or the Cottagers and Cedric’s agent. But talks are now underway between all parties with the west London club hopeful of reaching an agreement. Mikel Arteta has only fielded Cedric in two league games this term.
Fulham are in talks with Arsenal as hope grows over a transfer for Cedric Soares
Arsenal gave Fulham permission to discuss personal terms with Cedric’s agent before they agreed on his transfer fee. The full-back’s wage demands have proven to be an issue so far for the Cottagers. But they are now in talks with the Gunners after growing in confidence.
Fulham have initiated talks with Arsenal as they hope to now agree on Cedric’s salary with his agent. They may soon have extra funds available to offer the Portuguese, too, if Mbabu leaves. TuttoMercatoWEB reports that Manchester United are interested in the Swiss star.
The Red Devils have held advanced negotiations to beat AC Monza to Mbabu’s transfer, as well. So, should Silva sell the £70k-a-week full-back to Erik ten Hag, Fulham may complete their transfer pursuit of Cedric, who Gilberto Silva has once called ‘fantastic’, from Arsenal.
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