Arsenal make second January signing as Soares joins from Southampton

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton until the end of the season.

Soares becomes Arsenal’s second loan signing of the January transfer window, after Pablo Mari arrived on Wednesday.

The Portugal international will spend the rest of the season at the Emirates Stadium, providing Hector Bellerin with some solid competition.

Arsenal are expected to sign Soares permanently in the summer, when his Southampton contract expires.

Technical director Edu told www.arsenal.com: “Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at international level. 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.”