Arsenal brought in Cedric Soares as a back-up for Hector Bellerin, but with the Portuguese struggling with injuries complemented by footballing activities postponed in England owing to global health crisis – Cedric is yet to make his debut for the Gunners.
Southampton, Cedric and Arsenal are yet to agree any extension to current deal and the Portuguese full-back’s could have to bid adieu without making bow for the men in Red & Whites.
Cedric arrived to Arsenal in January for a package worth up to £5million carrying a knee injury, and despite the extended period to recover he did not feature in either of Arsenal’s friendly against against Charlton Athletic or Brentford this week despite returning to full fitness. It’s understood that Cedric is nursing a facial injury suffered after being hit by a ball during training and has been wearing protective mast over his nose, Mikel Arteta decided against risking him in friendly matches.
Cedric, like Arsenal target Ryan Fraser, is facing a dilemma whether to sign a short term extension with Southampton and risk injury. Though its said Arsenal remain hopeful in retaining the services of Cedric. He has until 23 June to negotiate a deal with Arsenal and his parent club Southampton over an extension beyond 30 June (which is the last date of his original contact with Southampton).
Arteta was delighted to bring in Cedric in January, “He knows the league and he doesn’t really need to adapt so I’m very pleased,” Arsenal’s head coach said at the time.
“We were short at right-back, we’ve had some big issues in that position before. We only have two players there and Maitland-Niles isn’t really a right back and Hector [Bellerin] has had injuries so to bring in a player of that quality wasn’t easy.”
Edu also echoed Arteta’s words: “I know he is a player who plays with absolute full commitment and energy. We are all looking forward to going into the last stages of the season with Cedric as part of the club.”
Should Arsenal look for a deal which will see us keep Cedric beyond this season?
