Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares reportedly chose to snub deadline-day interest from Fulham in order to remain at the Emirates.
THE LOWDOWN: LACK OF MINUTES
Cedric Soares, who joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2020, played a key role in the Gunners’ 2021/22 campaign, following Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury woes. He recorded one goal and three assists in 26 matches, while making 16 Premier League starts in the process.
Things have changed a bit this season, as the Portuguese man is still waiting for his first appearance of the new Premier League campaign after being an unused substitute in three games and failing to make the squad against Leicester City or Bournemouth.
Regardless, Tomiyasu’s return to fitness, and the emergence of William Saliba has allowed Ben White to start the 2022-23 season as Arteta’s first-choice right-back ahead of the 31-year-old.
THE LATEST: LATE FULHAM APPROACH
Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares rejected a move to Premier League new boys Fulham after a late bid came for him on deadline day.
According to football.london, Fulham – who have already got Bernd Leno earlier in the window – showed late interest in taking Cedric off of the Gunners’ hands.
It is understandable that with the 31-year-old’s contract at the Emirates set to expire in the summer of 2024, offers like this will come in.
However, Cedric reportedly had no interest in swapping the Emirates for the Craven Cottage and instead chose to stay and fight for his shirt at Arsenal in the coming months.
Cedric has scored two goals and made five assists from 55 outings for Arsenal in all competitions, and the Gunners are unlikely to sanction his departure for now.
THE VERDICT: STILL HAS A ROLE TO PLAY
It is going to be a long season and Cedric Soares is the club’s second natural right-back. Leaving the Emirates won’t have done the team any good as both Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have left the club.
The Portuguese international might not be getting his chance in the Premier League yet, but it is certain that in the cup competitions he will get his opportunity.