Edu explains Arsenal transfer move for Cedric Soares

Arsenal technical director Edu insists Cedric Soares’ plentiful Premier League experience renders him an excellent addition to Arsenal’s first team squad.

The Portugal international, who has played over 100 Premier League games for Southampton, joins the Gunners on an initial six-month loan.

Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to add conventional full-backs to his squad with the likes of Ainsley Maitlaind-Niles and Bukayo Saka having been forced deputise for Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney in the last month.

‘Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at international level,’ said Edu.

‘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.’

Arsenal travel to Burnley on Sunday but Cedric may have to wait to make his debut given he is currently struggling with a foot injury which could rule him out for a further three weeks.

The 28-year-old, however, cannot wait to get started for his new club, especially after he came close to joining the Gunners two years ago when Arsene Wenger was still in charge.

He said: ‘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.;