Fulham are keen on signing Cedric Soares in January, with the Arsenal defender reportedly out of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
According to ESPN, Cedric Soares could become a target for Fulham in January. Arsenal are ready to part ways with the experienced defender. Mikel Arteta no longer considers the defender in his plans and has tremendous cover at right-back after Ben White’s emergence.
Fulham are ready to make more moves in the transfer window in January. Marco Silva is looking for options to strengthen the squad. The Cottagers have made an excellent start to life in the top flight after Marco Silva guided them to ninth place going into the World Cup break.
Silva will now ponder over options that could improve his team. Fulham are already linked with several players, but the manager will look to bring a mix of youth and experience in January. The winter window usually represents a challenge for clubs to get the right players at reasonable prices.
Fulham will likely look to replicate their performance from the summer in January. They are already showing great ambition after reports of a bid for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie. While it might be a good start, Silva would also like to shore up his defensive options.
Cedric Soares has now emerged on their shortlist, with the Arsenal defender no longer part of Mikel Arteta’s plans. The 31-year-old’s contract with the Gunners runs until 2024, so there could be an opportunity to sign him on loan with an option or obligation clause.
Cedric has tremendous experience in the Premier League after spells at Southampton and now the Gunners. The 31-year-old Arsenal defender is currently out of favour under Arteta. But he is the most attack-minded full-back in the squad.
Since the start of the season, Ben White has taken over the right-back position and will remain there for the foreseeable future. Arteta’s tactical ideas have the England international in the role, with Takehiro Tomiyasu as his deputy.
There is no chance Cedric will usurp those two and win back a place in Arteta’s system. While he suffered an early season injury, the Portuguese international has been fit for at least four Europa League matchdays. Yet, Arteta chose to play him once or twice as a substitute and afforded a solitary start in the League Cup loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
While Cedric has no future at the Emirates, he may enjoy playing for Fulham. He could also benefit from remaining in London, where he seems settled, and Silva could get his hands on a compatriot who knows the league too well.
Fulham’s top priority is to remain in the top flight, but owing to their current position, they might challenge to finish in a European place. Such an outcome would be fantastic for the Cottagers, and signing Cedric from Arsenal could help them push towards such goals.
