Arsenal technical director Edu has explained why Arsenal signed Cedric Soares from Southampton.
The Portugal international has moved to the Emirates on a loan deal until the end of the season, and will provide competition for Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The 28-year-old's contract with Southampton expires at the end of the season, and Arsenal will cover Cedric's wages for the remainder of his time on the south coast, whilst also paying a loan fee and covering agent fees.
Speaking to the official club website, Edu revealed why the Gunners moved to make Cedric their second January signing.
“Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at international level," he said.
"He is another strong addition to our defensive unit who will provide our squad with quality. I know he is a player who plays with absolute full commitment and energy.
"We are all looking forward to going into the last stages of the season with Cedric as part of the club.”
The defender also expressed his delight at completing a move to north London.
"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."
