Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal defender Cedric Soares, who could be on the move in the summer.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Newcastle United have set their sights on versatile Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The Magpies are gearing up for a pivotal window as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for the European qualifying spots. Backed by their new cash-rich owners, Newcastle are expected to make some big moves. At the same time, Eddie Howe is likely to look for shrewd bargain signings for proven Premier League players who can add value to the team.
Cedric has seemingly emerged as one such target as Newcastle look to raid Arsenal for the veteran defender. The 30-year-old has been in England for seven years now, having joined Southampton from Sporting CP in 2015. He had a brief stint at Inter Milan in 2019 before signing for Arsenal on loan from the Saints in January 2020.
While he did not feature much during the loan stint, Cedric did enough to convince manager Mikel Arteta to sign him permanently. The Portuguese international has always been a backup at the Emirates but has done an admirable job almost every time when he has been called upon, be it at right-back or left-back.
Cedric has made 50 appearances for Arsenal to date, scoring one goal and registering four assists. Of the 50 appearances, 21 have come in the ongoing season, with the 30-year-old filling in for the injured Takehiro Tomiyasu. But with Arsenal pushing to sign a new right-back in the summer transfer window, the defender will be pushed further down the pecking order at the Emirates.
So, even though Cedric still has over two years left on his contract, the Portuguese could be on the move at the end of the ongoing campaign. And Newcastle United have shown an interest in securing the signing of the veteran star.
Newcastle signed a new right-back in January in the form of Kieran Trippier. The England star made a big impact on arrival before an injury ended his season. Since then, Howe has relied on Emil Krafth as his right-back, with the Swede doing fairly well. However, his future at St James’ Park is far from secure, while Javi Manquillo could also be sold.
So, it would open up space for a new right-back in the squad, making Cedric a viable option. Given his ability to play at left-back as well, the Arsenal star could also be a deputy for Matt Targett, who Newcastle United intend to sign permanently from Aston Villa.
However, Newcastle will likely face competition from FC Porto, who are keen on signing Cedric and have even presented an offer worth less than €5 million. But, the report adds that, as things stand, Cedric wishes to stay in London and continue at Arsenal. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the former Southampton star.
