How Arsenal can still complete ‘priority’ transfer after deadline day on Thursday

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Arsenal have been inactive in the January transfer window in both incomings and outgoings, but could be set to make a sale in the coming days.

Defender Cedric Soares is wanted by Galatasaray, and a deal appears to be in the works in the coming days.

Arsenal are open to letting him go despite a lack of defensive depth, and the 32-year-old is open to a move.

The transfer window for Premier League sides closes at 11pm on Thursday evening, but it has now been revealed that Galatasaray could still sign Cedric beyond this date.

Cedric could join Galatasaray after transfer deadline

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed that Cedric is a transfer priority for the Turkish giants, and that with their window staying open longer, a deal could still be completed after Thursday.

“Galatasaray still hoping to close a deal for Arsenal’s Cédric in the coming days,” he posted on X.

“It’s a priority for the club’s board, who value his experience. A two-and-a-half year contract being considered. No fee agreed yet. Turkish window closes on February 9.”

Why do Galatasaray want Cedric Soares from Arsenal?

Even if a deal is completed after the transfer window shuts on Thursday, it seems that Arsenal will receive a small fee for Cedric, who will leave on a permanent deal.

Galatasaray are keen on the Arsenal outcast for his experience, as someone who has played in the Champions League and won the European Championships with Portugal, in order to replace Sacha Boey, who recently joined Bayern Munich.

Boey was also linked with Arsenal as Mikel Arteta has bemoaned the lack of depth in his back line, but the Gunners could not afford such a deal in this window.

Nevertheless, cutting Cedric’s wages from the salary bill, whilst also receiving a fee for a player they signed four years ago, is a positive for Arsenal.

Cedric is on the bench tonight for Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest, but this is likely to be the last time we see him in a matchday squad, despite the lack of defender coming in to replace the veteran.

The right-back has made just two appearances all season, and is clearly not trusted by Arteta. Fans would be more keen on youngster Reuell Walters receiving an opportunity should he be needed, rather than Cedric covering for Ben White.

With six months left on his deal, it is a minimal fee Arsenal will receive, but this is an improvement on recent contract terminations for unwanted players.