Arsenal decide to let defender leave on free transfer at end of season

Cedric Soares is reportedly preparing to leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

The Portuguese full-back, who joined the Gunners in January 2020, initially on loan before making his switch permanent the following summer, has struggled for opportunities under Mikel Arteta.

Forced to play a backup role to the likes of Ben White, Cedric, 32, has been limited to just three league appearances this season.

The defender’s game time would have been considerably less had summer-signing Jurrien Timber not suffered an injury which has ruled him out for the majority of the season.

Cedric set for summer Arsenal exit

Consequently, ahead of Cedric’s contract expiring this summer, according to a recent report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the former Saints defender is now set to move on in search of a new challenge.

On multiple clubs’ shortlists, Cedric’s impending free agency makes him an attractive, and cost-effective, option — his experience will undoubtedly be missed at the Emirates though.

Since joining the Gunners, Cedric, who has also represented Portugal on 34 occasions, has scored two goals and registered five assists in 64 games in all competitions.