ARSENAL defender Cedric Soares is wanted by Fulham in January, according to reports. He could leave Arsenal but he still will be in London.
The Portugal international has been restricted to a bit-part role for the Gunners this season, with Ben White becoming the club’s No.1 right-back.
Cedric featured in every league game from February onwards last term but White’s emergence on the right has completely reduced his game-time.
The ex-Southampton man has featured just four times with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton.
As a result, Sky Sports claim that Fulham are prepared to offer him a route out of the Emirates when the market opens for business and he is ready to leave Arsenal.
The report states the West Londoners were keen in the summer window and have once again expressed their interest in the 31-year-old.
Fulham are in desperate need of a right-back with Bobby Decordova-Reid forced to play there on several occasions this term. Since Cedric would like to get more minutes, he could leave Arsenal and still play in Premier League.
Marco Silva does have Kenny Tete at his disposal, but injuries have restricted the Dutchman to just eight league starts.
Meanwhile, summer arrival Kevin Mbabu has made just ONE start and has failed to impress.
Cedric would bring a wealth of experience to Craven Cottage having won 34 caps for Portugal, while he’s played 158 games in the Prem.
He hasn’t played for his country for almost two years, but Cedric was part of the team that won Euro 2016.
The right-back played every minute in the knockouts, including the 1-0 victory in the final when Portugal shocked France.
Fulham also successfully negotiated the transfer of German goalkeeper Bernd Leno with Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but it is unclear if the Premier League leaders or Cedric would give the green light to a January move.
Cedric left Southampton for Arsenal on loan in January 2020 before making his move permanent later that year, and he has two goals and five assists under his belt from 59 games for the Gunners.
The former Sporting Lisbon youngster enjoyed a string of regular first-team appearances last season during Tomiyasu’s time out with injuries, making 16 Premier League starts as Arsenal finished fifth in the table.
Cedric has also been involved in Arsenal’s winter friendlies in the Dubai Super Cup, which the Gunners won courtesy of a 2-1 victory and 4-3 penalty shootout success over AC Milan on Tuesday.
The Gunners’ final mid-season friendly takes place on Saturday as Juventus visit the Emirates Stadium, and Arteta’s side return to Premier League duties with a Boxing Day London derby against West Ham United.
Coincidentally, Fulham meet the Hammers in a friendly this weekend and also mark their return to top-flight action with a capital clash against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day.
