Arsenal are ready to offload Cedric Soares in January, with Villarreal interested in the versatile 32-year-old defender.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are keen on offloading Cedric Soares in January as they can get some value from the sale. The Portuguese defender has not featured much under Mikel Arteta this season, and he is also keen to create space in the side to bring in a new defender potentially.
Arsenal are keen to change their backline, which involves creating space for a new defender to arrive in January. The early season injury to Jurrien Timber has changed Mikel Arteta’s initial plans for the season on how he saw his defence for the campaign.
Timber’s ability to play right-back, centre-back, and, surprisingly, left-back gave Arteta that versatile option he craved. However, his absence has seen Arteta rely too much on his regulars. So, Arsenal might plot another move for a new defender in January. Sporting CP’s Ousmane Dionamde remains linked, while names like Sacha Boey are also in the mix.
One player they might offload from the current squad is Cedric Soares. With the versatile 32-year-old not part of Arteta’s plans and about to enter the final six months of his deal, the Gunners feel this is the best time to get some value.
They might not get too much in exchange, but some clubs plotting a cut-price move for the versatile 32-year-old could come into the mix. For instance, Villarreal, who held an interest previously, are reportedly back into the mix for Cedric.
Others are also interested, but the La Liga giants might look to make an early move. While Arsenal are keen to offload, Arteta will remain cautious about agreeing to an early exit. The versatile 32-year-old has the experience to play for them, but the Spaniard could still wait to take note of the fitness of some other stars.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is about to sign a new deal, has returned to the treatment room with another calf problem. Arteta recently revealed the Japanese star would remain out for a while, which caused some serious depth problems for Arsenal.
Once he does return, Tomiyasu will go away with Japan for the Asian Cup, which keeps the depth issue intact. Hence, it appears imperative for Arsenal to bring in a new defender before taking the call on Cedric’s departure, as the versatile 32-year-old could still prove handy in games.
