Cedric Soares is reportedly uninterested in leaving Arsenal in the summer, despite the club looking for a new right-back in the next window.
According to Correio da Manha, as relayed by Sport Witness, Cedric Soares is not keen on leaving Arsenal in the summer transfer window, despite recent speculation over a transfer away from the Emirates. Even though the Gunners are actively looking for a new right-back, the Portuguese, with two years left on his contract, is prepared to stay put.
Cedric Soares has silenced his critics since the turn of the year after putting in some impressive displays and covering the problems Arsenal had at right-back. The issues emerged after Takehiro Tomiyasu suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, forcing Mikel Arteta to play the Portuguese full-back regularly.
Cedric has made an immense contribution to many of Arsenal’s attacking performances since the end of January and has become a reliable option for Arteta. In the long run, the Gunners would prefer to have Tomiyasu in the position and another player with different attributes to compete with him.
That leaves Cedric out of the picture, and reports have linked him with a move away from the Emirates. Newcastle United are supposedly interested in the Arsenal defender, owing to his ability to play on both flanks. The Magpies are looking at making decent additions to their defensive unit, and Cedric could be one of the squad options.
However, reports from Portugal deny the possibility of Cedric’s departure from Arsenal, insisting neither the north Londoners nor the player are yet to receive any offers. The claim insists that the right-back will remain at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, despite the Gunners actively searching for a new right-back in the market.
Arsenal are linked with Udinese defender Nahuel Molina, and they are reportedly willing to include Pablo Mari in a part-exchange deal. Other names are linked with a move to north London, although with the news of Cedric’s willingness to stay at the Emirates, the Gunners could change their stance.
Also Read: Three players Newcastle United should pursue in the summer
But that seems unlikely, as Arsenal will move for a new right-back to compete with Tomiyasu in the summer and could be open to letting Cedric leave if a sizeable offer comes in. FC Porto are also keen on signing the Portuguese international, although, for competitive reasons, the full-back may look to remain in the Premier League, giving Newcastle United a boost in his chase.
