Why Arsenal should sign Cedric Soares permanently

According to Eleven Sport (The Sun), right-back Cedric Soares is keen on making his Arsenal loan move permanent after joining them in January.

The Portuguese international arrived at the Emirates during the winter window from Southampton. However, the 28-year-old right-back is yet to feature for them.

A knee injury he sustained while at Southampton has limited the right-back’s chances of making a first-team appearance at Arsenal. However, Cedric hopes the Gunners will offer him a long-term contract when his current deal expires at the end of May.

Meanwhile, Cedric, who joined Southampton in 2015 will leave St. Mary’s as a free agent this summer. With the right back’s current contract with his parent club coming to an end, it would be wise if Arsenal can sign Cedric for free in the summer transfer market.

Brought in as a back-up for Arsenal’s first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin, Cedric’s vast experience in the Premier League qualifies him to be someone who can feature for the Gunners.

A Sporting Lisbon graduate, Cedric has been a mainstay in the Saints defence since the day he arrived in England. A veteran of 138 matches for the Saints, there is no questioning Cedric’s experience.

Arsenal would be safer with Cedric around

Moreover, with Bellerin attracting interest from other European clubs, it would be better if Arsenal can extend Cedric’s stay by making his move permanent.

Bellerin has not looked the same since his recent return from a long injury lay-off. The full-back has managed just eight league appearances this term, making the right-back role a problem position for the Gunners.

Manager Arteta also has Ainsley Maitland-Niles in that role. However, the 22-year-old is more of a converted right-back, having started initially as a right-midfielder. Similarly, Arsenal have Calum Chambers. The Englishman, however, has been constantly out of action due to injuries and has never managed to prove himself.

With the side clearly lacking another out and out right-back, it could turn out to be a major concern next season if Arsenal fail to sign a new face.

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Verdict

Arsenal have just one proper right-back in Bellerin and who better than a seasoned campaigner like Cedric to play as a back-up. Also, considering Bellerin’s poor form in recent days, Cedric, a Southampton regular, could easily give him competition for a starting role. Hence, Arsenal should try to secure his services permanently if they wish to have a successful outing next season.