Turkish giants Besiktas are reportedly in talks to sign versatile 32-year-old Portuguese defender Cedric Soares from Arsenal.
According to a report by Football Transfers, Cedric Soares is the subject of interest from Besiktas. The versatile Portuguese defender has entered the final six months of his contract with Arsenal. So, a cut-price move to Turkey might be on the cards, with talks already underway over a move for the Arsenal full-back.
Cedric Soares and his Arsenal Journey
Cedric Soares has been a decent backup option for Arsenal since arriving from Southampton in 2020. The Gunners initially completed a loan move for the 32-year-old in January 2020 before completing a permanent transfer six months later. But game time has dried up in the last 18 months.
The Portuguese full-back spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Fulham. But that has not helped him either, as he has been a peripheral figure for Arsenal this season. Cedric has managed only 65 minutes of game time thus far in two outings for the North London club.
In addition, Cedric’s long-term Arsenal future is non-existent as he has entered the final six months of his contract at the Emirates. So, it is hardly surprising that a January departure from the Emirates is on the cards for the experienced defender. And there is no shortage of interest in him, with Besiktas among his prospective suitors.
Turkey Calling?
Besiktas’s interest in Cedric Soares first emerged in December after they approached his agent. The Turkish giants remain keen on signing the versatile Portuguese defender as they look to complete their objectives for the January transfer window.
Besiktas will likely lose Valentin Rosier to OGC Nice in the January transfer window. In addition, Arthur Masuaku is representing DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations. So, Cedric can be a two-fold solution to the club’s full-back issues. And talks are underway to seal the deal for the 32-year-old Arsenal defender.
The versatile full-back is keen on joining Besiktas, and Arsenal will do well not to put up any stumbling blocks, considering they can lose him for free in six months. It will be interesting to see if Cedric Soares moves to Turkey in the coming days.
