Arsenal might be looking to hold onto 28-year-old right-back Cedric Soares beyond the summer, according to a report by ESPN.
Cedric Soares joined the Gunners on loan from Southampton during the January transfer window but the defender is yet to play even a single game for Mikel Arteta’s side this season. And now oddly enough, the North London club might be looking to offer him a really lucrative deal at the club.
The report claims: “Arsenal are expected to agree an extension to Cedric Soares’ loan from Southampton and want to sign him permanently on a free transfer this summer, sources have told ESPN.
“Clubs have until midnight on Tuesday to finalise contracts for the 2019-20 season with those players which run out on June 30. The situation with Soares is complicated by the imminent expiration of his deal at parent club Southampton.
“Due to player registration regulations, Southampton must technically extend his contract first before Arsenal can prolong his loan. Talks are ongoing on Tuesday with all parties confident an agreement will be reached.
“Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta is believed to be impressed by Soares’ professionalism and positive impact on the dressing room.
“Sources have told ESPN that a three-year deal is under discussion.”
Will Cedric Soares remain at Arsenal next season?
Last season, Cedric Soares played in only 18 Premier League games for the Saints and this season, he featured in only 16(none of them for Arsenal). So clearly Hassenhutll will not have any issues in parting with him this summer.
There’s no denying that the 28-year-old will be a great backup for Hector Bellerin at the right-back role next season but as far as Arsenal are concerned this decision from the club is a clear indication that they are not willing to spend too much money in the transfer market.
It’s no secret that Arsenal badly need new defenders and many experts think, the North London side will go out and buy some reinforcements this summer. But with a permanent move for Cedric Soares, Mikel Arteta might just look to put to use what he has at his disposal.
Apart from the Saints man, Pablo Mari is also on loan at Arsenal and if the Portuguese can get a permanent deal at the Emirates, Mari will undoubtedly be offered a similar contract in the coming months.
