European giants now want Arsenal outcast to replace £24m star Arteta scouted

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Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal to sign defender Sacha Boey, whom Arsenal were previously interested in, and Galatasaray now want to replace him.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, Bayern agreed a deal to sign the highly-rated right-back, who could have been a good signing for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal have been linked with Boey in recent months as Arteta aims to add more defensive depth to his ranks, but financial fair play issues are preventing the Gunners from spending significantly in this window, and Boey’s fee of around £24m was too high for Arteta.

Galatasaray now need a new right-back, and have identified Cedric Soares as Boey’s replacement.

Galatasaray are interested in Arsenal outcast Cedric Soares

A report from Football.London has now confirmed that Galatasaray, as well as Besiktas, are interested in the 32-year-old, and Arsenal are willing to let Cedric go.

The former Portugal International has six months remaining on his contract, and has made just one start in all competitions all season.

Despite Ben White carrying an injury during his last two months of performances, as well as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber’s absences, Cedric has not been trusted by Arteta to even play a backup role, and a move away will be best for all parties.

Arsenal considered a move for Boey in order to replace Cedric, but it now appears that the reverse will happen at the Turkish giants.

Cedric should have left Arsenal years ago

There were question marks over Cedric’s signing four years ago, and he has done little to prove that even on a free, he was the right player to target.

Super agent Kia Joorabchian helped Mikel Arteta make him one of his first signings as Arsenal manager, on an initial loan from Southampton, which was made permanent despite having not played a single game before the deal was confirmed.

The veteran spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, and surprisingly stayed beyond the summer transfer window, but it now appears that his arguably long-awaited exit is on the cards this week.

Cedric made 61 appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice and assisting five times, and whilst he has conducted himself in a professional manner, he will go down as a signing which did not really work out for Arteta.

Arsenal may not sign a defender to replace him before the window shuts, but the return of Thomas Partey has meant there will now be more cover at right-back.