Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares looks set to leave the Emirates, with a “host” of teams keen on securing his services, according to Football.London‘s Kaya Kaynak.
A return to Portugal could be on the cards for the 32-year-old with the likes of Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica said to be weighing up moves for the defender, who is earning £75,000 a week. Villarreal and a number of Premier League clubs are also said to be keen on snapping him up.
After returning from his loan spell from Fulham at the end of last season, Cedric was present for the start of pre-season at London Colney but he was left out of the Gunners’ tour of the United States, which suggested that a departure was likely. Fans on Twitter are hoping his sale can be finalised soon to free up funds for further signings:
Hope it’s permanent deal, no more loans.
— Vadgunner (@Vadgunner) July 20, 2023
am i dreaming
— SAHIR💫 (@rj3_cr) July 20, 2023
Time to go
— Josef (@Josef00297202) July 20, 2023
Let’s free up the wage bill and get some fee for him👍. Nothing like proving himself at the Emirates!!
— Kingi Hassan (@Kingihassan90) July 20, 2023
Finally it’s happening 😭pic.twitter.com/KOab8so8xk
— Magical Øde (@OdeSZN8) July 20, 2023
We want a bidding war, floor price – £3m
— Onyls.🏷️ (@AFC_Onyls) July 20, 2023
He is good and would always get good offers. Unfortunately, didn’t work out for us.
— Retired (@Bag_grabber) July 20, 2023
Cedric is just one of a number of players who could be sold by Arsenal
After spending £200m on new signings, the Gunners have now switched their focus to offloading fringe players. In addition to Cedric, five other senior stars are reportedly looking for new clubs.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe and Nuno Tavares have been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Mikel Arteta, while the likes of Folarin Balogun and Thomas Partey could be sold if the club receive the right offer before the transfer window shuts next month.
