Exclusive: Turkish clubs have shown interest in Arsenal star who is leaving on free transfer, says expert

Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares looks set to have interest from clubs in Turkey as he prepares to leave the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer this summer.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who says Besiktas have been among the Turkish sides to show an interest in the Portuguese defender, who previously snubbed interest from there to stay with the Gunners for a bit longer.

Now, however, the transfer news expert says Soares will be leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract this summer, and it seems he will make a decision on his next club a bit later, with nothing concrete in place for the 32-year-old right now.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano made it clear that Soares is now 100% leaving north London, with no discussions taking place over a new deal for the former Southampton man.

Cedric Soares 100% leaving Arsenal, says Fabrizio Romano

“I wanted to clarify something on players who could leave Arsenal this summer. As I reported yesterday, Cedric Soares is not going to extend his contract at Arsenal – it’s over between the player and the club, and there is not even a conversation to extend his contract. It’s 100% going to be time for them to part ways at the end of this season,” Romano said.

“Soares has some possibilities around Europe and Arsenal are looking at different solutions in that position. The experienced Portuguese full-back will of course remain professional until the end of his contract, then he will make a decision on his next move, and he could have a number of options.

“Turkish clubs, including Besiktas, already wanted Soares recent months, but he decided to stay. Now he will have multiple options around Europe. Nothing is close at the moment but I’m told Cedric will consider different opportunities in order to make a final choice in the summer, not now.”