New Arsenal signing Cedric Soares has revealed that he has previously been close to joining the club, only for a potential transfer to fall through.
The full-back has arrived at the Emirates Stadium on a season-long loan from fellow Premier League side Southampton, having spent four-and-a-half years at the south coast club, having signed in the summer of 2015.
The 28-year-old was linked with a summer move to the Emirates Stadium, but a deal never materialised and he went onto play 19 times in all competitions for the Saints in the first half of the season.
Cedric is out of contract at St Mary's at the end of the season, meaning that he will be available on a free transfer when his loan deal at Arsenal expires.
Speaking in his first interview at Arsenal, Cedric said that this January wasn't the first time that Arsenal showed their interest.
"It has been a while, to be fair," he told Arsenal Player. "We were close a few years ago, so it's not the first time. It didn't happen that time but now thank God it came true. I'm super happy.
"Obviously it was important for me in my career to come here. Southampton gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League but obviously it's amazing this step, to come here and play for Arsenal.
"To be able to reach this point is unbelievable."
Soares is currently out of action after injuring his knee, but is expected to be back to fitness for the middle of next month, when he finally will be able to make his Arsenal debut.
