Arsenal ‘open’ to letting player leave with European side now ‘interested’

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Arsenal outcast Cedric Soares made his first start of the season against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, but he now looks set to leave the club in January.

Cedric spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, but a permanent move away did not materialise in the summer.

He recently reappeared in matchday squads as a result of injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber, and put in a surprisingly impressive display against PSV.

However, it appears that he could move on in January, and one Europa League side have registered their interest in him.

Villarreal want Cedric Soares from Arsenal

Journalist Chris Wheatley has now revealed that La Liga side Villarreal are interested in a deal to sign Cedric, whose contract runs out at the end of the season.

“Villarreal are interested in Arsenal defender Cedric Soares,” he posted on X.

“Arsenal are open to letting the experienced right back leave in January — his current contract expires in June 2024.”

Villarreal have struggled in La Liga this season, as they find themselves 13th in the table, but have progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The Yellow Submarine are in need of defensive reinforcements, and could move current right-back Juan Foyth to the centre, with Cedric on the right.

Villareal’s financial situation is unclear, but given his status in the squad and his contract situation, it is unlikely that Cedric would leave for a big fee.

Should Arsenal sell Cedric in January?

It is clear that Cedric will not get many opportunities between now and the end of the season despite Arsenal’s injuries, and if they can earn a fee for him, a sale would make a lot of sense.

Arsenal cannot afford to carry passengers as they compete in the title race. They learned this the hard way when Rob Holding, who is yet to play in the Premier League for Crystal Palace this season, stepped in for William Saliba last season with disastrous results.

Mikel Arteta should enter the market for a defender in the January transfer window, and this will negate the need to keep Cedric in the squad.

If the 32-year-old does leave, it could open up a spot for youngster Reuell Walters to take his place on the bench, but given that Cedric has hardly featured, this is unlikely to make too much difference for the rest of the campaign.