Why Arsenal should take a chance by signing Cedric Soares
The Evening Standard suggests that Arsenal are interested in signing Southampton full-back Cedric Soares on loan, who will be out of contract this summer.
However, the Daily Echo, on the other hand, suggests that Southampton are open to the idea of letting the Portuguese international leave before the January window shuts instead of losing him for nothing when he becomes a free agent.
Cedric initially signed for the Saints from Sporting Lisbon back in 2014 for £4m and has gone on to make over 130 appearances in Southampton colours.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side have just started to regain their lost form and are showing signs of improvement. They are yet to lose a game this month and are riding high on the superb performances of their youngsters.
Some of the players – including Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil – have returned to their best and under the guidance of the Spaniard. The Gunners look revamped.
The front line consisting of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli has put in better performances in recent weeks. Lucas Torreira, who was mostly left on the bench by Emery, has been a key play under the new manager.
With the offensive situation in control, Arsenal’s defence needs reinforcements. While the centre-backs haven’t been up to standards, having conceded 34 goals in 24 league games, Arteta’s natural full-backs have been injured for the majority of the season.
Sead Kolasinac and Hector Bellerin have missed more than half of the season and the injury to Calum Chambers has added to the crisis. This has forced the manager to turn towards young midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles to cover the right-back position. Therefore, it is the right time for the club to bring in a player like Cedric Soares.
Cedric, 28, came through Sporting Lisbon’s youth ranks and has been a consistent figure at Southampton since 2015. He was on loan with Inter Milan for the second half of last season but returned to the St. Mary’s Stadium last summer.
The Portugal international has also won the Euro 2016 with his national side. His inclusion would provide some healthy competition to Bellerin, while allowing Maitland-Niles to return to his natural position.
Verdict
Cedric would add depth and quality to Arsenal’s squad as several of their players are injured. If the manager takes a chance, the Portuguese would be a worthy addition.
Therefore, signing him before the January window closes would be a good way to add depth and experience to Arsenal’s squad.
