Arsenal defender Cedric Soares could see a move away from the club blocked by Mikel Arteta despite preferring a move away from the club. The right-back has struggled for minutes this season following Ben White's impressive performances and has reportedly been targeted ahead of the January transfer window.
Reports linked the Portuguese with a move away from north London in the summer, with Fulham named as late suitors for him on deadline day. However, Cedric opted to stay at the Gunners to fight for his place in Arteta's side. However, the 31-year-old has only made four appearances all season and football.london reported that Fulham, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen were showing interest.
His future at the Emirates Stadium is unclear, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and White both Arteta's preferred choices at right-back. Reports in Italy [via TuttoMercatoWeb] have suggested that Cedric could be set for a move in January after the three clubs said to be interested have already begun talks with his representatives.
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However, with Arsenal finding themselves top of the Premier League table and challenging Manchester City for the title, Sky Sports presenter Michael Bridge has claimed that Arteta is keen to keep Cedric at the club unless he can bring in an alternative option.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: "My information is that Arteta feels they might be a little bit light, so they might stop one of the fringe players going.
"For example, there's a lot of interest in Cedric, and my understanding is he wants to move on, but Arsenal won't allow that unless they bring someone else in.
"I think, at Arsenal, maybe we'll see one or two coming in and one or two going out in January. But I think it would be quality coming in and surplus going out. I don't think Arsenal have to worry too much yet about any big names leaving."
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