Arsenal defender could join league rivals with an obligation

Even though Fulham is currently in the lead for Cedric Soares, reports from Arsenal reporters indicate that the race is still far from over

The Evening Standard disagrees with some of the information previously revealed elsewhere, but they claim that Fulham are the front-runners to recruit Cedric Soares from Arsenal in January.

While Sky Sports recently claimed that Fulham wanted to sign Cedric on a permanent basis, the Evening Standard claims that it is more likely to be a loan with a purchase need. That does imply that Cedric would only leave permanently in the summer, despite not being noticeably different. The Evening Standard responds that Fulham have just had preliminary discussions with the player’s representation, contrary to talkSPORT’s assertion that Fulham is close to finalising a contract.

According to reports, formal talks between Arsenal and Fulham have not yet taken place, and the Gunners haven’t even chosen whether or not to permit Cedric to depart.

But while Arsenal have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, as well as players like Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Reuell Walters coming through the academy, Cedric is Fulham’s top right-back target. If Arsenal believes they can survive without Cedric for the foreseeable future, it might be wiser to sell him now and give their young players a chance to advance into Mikel Arteta’s team for the upcoming campaign.

Fulham is prioritising right-back in the upcoming transfer window, and the club is hoping that their good relations with Kia Joorabchian, Cedric’s agent, would aid them. Willian was brought to Fulham by Joorabchian in the summer.

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