Arsenal defender could join Premier League club on loan

Arsenal look likely to be busy during the upcoming January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of a busy second half of the season. 

The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table but have already lost striker Gabriel Jesus for a number of weeks after the Brazilian suffered a knee injury at the World Cup.

Arteta could look to sign a forward to deputise for Jesus, and he may also look to bolster his options in a number of other areas.

One player that could leave the club in January is Cedric Soares.

The full-back has fallen out of favour at The Emirates, and now The Evening Standard are suggesting that he may be allowed to leave next month.

It is claimed that The Gunners are unsure whether to keep hold of Soares, or let him leave on loan.

The report claims that Fulham are one possible destination for the player, with The Cottagers having already started negotiations and considered at present to be the frontrunners for his signature.

Soares, 31, has only made four appearances for Arsenal so far this term, including just 27 minutes of Premier League action across two games.

Soares has struggled for game time this term

The defender has fallen behind Ben White in the pecking order, with the England international having started all 14 of the club’s Premier League matches so far this term.

Spanish side Villarreal and Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen are both also said to be interested in Soares, who joined Arsenal from Southampton in July 2020 having spent six months on loan at the club previously.

The Portugal international has made a total of 59 appearances for Arsenal, but he could now be allowed to spend the second half of the current campaign out on loan.

Soares’ current Arsenal contract expires in the summer of 2024, and it remains to be seen whether or not the club will offer him an extension.