Arsenal Opinion – Gunners in for Cedric Soares – Good Move?
According to a report in Wales Online, Arsenal are interested in signing Southampton full-back Cedric Soares during this transfer window as they aim to improve their backline.
Monaco and French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race to sign the Portuguese international (h/t Wales Online), who was part of the Euro 2016-winning squad and starting line-up.
However, the Gunners are looking to sign him before the Ligue 1 outfit during this transfer window (h/t Wales Online). The 27-year-old went on loan from Southampton to Inter Milan in January for six months and played only four Serie A games.
Cedric’s contract at the St.Mary’s stadium expires next summer and he is currently earning around £65,000-per-week in wages (h/t Wales Online), with the sign-on transfer fee left up to the negotiation panel.
Here’s why Arsenal should sign him ahead of next season:
Cedric’s arrival needed to push Maitland-Niles in the midfield
Predominantly a right-back who can play as a right wing-back, Cedric Soares can operate as a left-back/left wing-back as well if required by the team.
In terms of his attributes, the Portuguese international is defensively strong in one-on-one situations. He is quite good on the ball, can supply some quality crosses and is physically not easy to shrug off.
The 27-year-old may not be a world-beater in his position but he sure does his job for the team and gives his 100% on the field to make a difference.
Arsenal have Hector Bellerin and Ainsley-Maitland Niles fighting for the right-back spot. Now, while the latter has done well there, his main position is in the midfield.
Hence, the Gunners should sign Cedric to back Bellerin up at right-back and allow Maitland-Niles to play in his first-choice slot in central midfield.
The youngster, who is their academy product, is a good player who remains calm on/off the ball and does possess the capabilities to enhance the midfield of Unai Emery’s team.
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Conclusion
All in all, we can conclude by saying that Arsenal should sign Cedric Soares from Southampton during this transfer window.