Why Cedric Soares is a smart signing for Arsenal

Cedric Soares signed for Arsenal on a long-term contract despite not having featured for the Gunners ever since arriving for the club in January. The Portuguese’s permanent move comes in spite of his regular injuries. The player came in injured only to get back to training and injure himself again.

However, he announced himself in style by scoring a goal just a few minutes after coming on in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Norwich City.

Cedric, who joined Southampton in 2015, turned a free agent, with Arsenal signing the right-back for free. The player comes in as a back-up for Arsenal’s first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin, who has suffered injuries this season. He is yet to find his prime form.

Cedric comes into Arsenal with the vast experience of having played in the Premier League and can fight for his place.

Arsenal also have Ainsley Maitland-Niles in that role but that is not something the player will prefer to do always, as it is not his natural role. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is primarily a midfielder. And with Chambers injured and out for long, Arsenal were quick in figuring out a backup.

Cedric, who has been a Southampton regular, could very well fit into the role as a back-up and fight for a starting place. The 28-year-old has been one of the most high-profile international players at St. Mary’s and can be a reliable figure at Arsenal. A player of the Portuguese’s calibre can prove to be a good addition to the Gunners.

The player can add real competition to Bellerin, who is looking to find his form and this can be a real push for the Spanish speedster.

Arsenal have struggled defensively this season and will want to improve in the remaining games and also over next season. The signing of Cedric is smart business for Arsenal as they had to pay no transfer fee.

The 28-year-old still has a few years in him and Arteta will hope that this is just the beginning of things in their bid to solve the defensive crisis.

Cedric’s experience would be of great value to a struggling Arsenal defence. He has international experience too and is a quality player.

His cameo against Norwich City provided a glimpse of what he is capable of. Although he looked a bit rusty after coming on, he showed that he is capable of delivering some good balls into the box with some delicious crosses. His goal came from outside the box, with him having a pop with his weak foot from distance.

If this is what he can offer, he is certainly different to what Bellerin is. The Spaniard is not known for his crossing ability but is well renowned for his link-up play and quick feet. Bellerin’s goals against Liverpool in 2015 and against Chelsea in January this year showed that he is someone who is capable of cutting in and using his left foot.

Cedric is someone who is good with his crosses and thus, this is a different route that Arteta can use when needed.

This is hence a smart signing by Arsenal and chances are that Cedric might be a handy acquisition for the Gunners as time flies by.