90Min claim Arsenal are ‘close’ to agreeing a deal with Fulham for Cedric Soares ahead of the January window. The right-back has plummeted down the Gunners pecking order this term, especially with Ben White playing on the right.
Cedric, 31, has had an indifferent spell at Arsenal since joining from Southampton in the summer of 2020 after an initial loan. In his three years at Arsenal, just 59 games have come his way – 38 of which have come in the Premier League.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was signed from Bologna in 2021, and he was first choice last season. But the Japan star has been injured and Cedric came in towards the end of last term. This season, White has been used on the right of the defence.
It means Cedric has been relegated to third choice in the only position he can play. With the Euro 2016 winner boasting 18 months left on his £65k-a-week contract, it seems Arsenal are willing to sell him early – to Fulham.
Arsenal close to agreeing deal with Fulham for Cedric
A good move for Cedric. He gets to remain in the Premier League, remain in London and join a club that boasts plenty of Portuguese players – and manager Marco Silva. Of course, Cedric worked with Silva during his Sporting Lisbon days.
Fulham are looking good this season. But they have been playing with midfielder Bobby Decordova-Reid on the right side of their defence. It is unclear how much Arsenal will have to pay to sign Cedric, given he has a deal until 2024.
But the right move for all parties. Cedric needs to leave Arsenal and Fulham need a right-back. For the Gunners, they get an unneeded player off the wage bill. It makes sense from all points of view. He joins Willian and Bernd Leno.
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