Arsenal defender Cedric Soares is reportedly set to leave the club before the January transfer window closes.
According to Fabrizio Romano, 31-year-old Arsenal defender Cedric Soares is heading to Fulham on loan until the end of the season.
The Portuguese defender has fallen down the pecking order at the North London club, and he needs to leave the Gunners in search of regular game time. Cedric has started just once in the League Cup for Arsenal this season, and he needs to play more often at this stage of his career.
Fulham are looking to bring in a quality right-back this month, and they have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks. Marco Silva has Kenny Tete and Kevin Mbabu as his right-back options, and the Fulham manager was determined to add some quality to that position.
Cedric thus emerged as a viable target for Fulham in the short term. The 31-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League with Southampton and Arsenal in the past. He has the quality and experience to make an immediate impact at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are close to complete signing of Cedric Soares from Arsenal by the end of the week 🚨⚪️⚫️ #FulhamFC
Understand it’d be a loan move until June, no buy option clause included. Fulham will cover his wages up to 100k/week #AFC
Talks at final stages, as @JamesOlley reported. pic.twitter.com/vi38CIiEKJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 25, 2023
Fulham have done quite well this season, and they are currently seventh in the league table. There is no reason why they cannot push for European qualification. Marco Silva will be aware of the fact that the right additions in January could boost their chances of securing European football next season.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the transfer is set to be completed by the end of the week and Fulham will cover his wages up to £100,000 per week. The Cottagers do not have the option to sign the player permanently. And it would not be surprising if they tried to make the move permanent if Cedric manages to impress during the second half of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda in recent weeks. The 18-year-old right-back is thought to be on the radar of Mikel Arteta. And it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can get a deal for him across the line after sanctioning the departure of Soares to their London rivals.
