Martin Keown rates Arsenal's deadline day deal for Cedric Soares

Martin Keown has praised Arsenal’s deadline day move for Cedric Soares and says the Portuguese defender is a ‘good addition’ to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners completed a deal for Cedric on Friday, with the 28-year-old joining Arsenal from Premier League rivals Southampton on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Cedric made 138 appearances for the Saints, helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and, according to Keown, has much to offer Arsenal.

The Gunners legend told talkSPORT: ‘I think he’s a good player. [Yan] Valery has come in, the youngster, there at Southampton.

‘They look as though they are out of trouble so they want to make something happen.

‘You have got [Hector] Bellerin, who is just coming to form, so he might not play long-term – and [Ainsley] Maitland-Niles – but I do feel he’s a good player.

‘He’s a current holder with Portugal of the Euros and I think he has got enough to offer with Arsenal.

‘It doesn’t block Bellerin’s path because he will know long-term, both Maitland-Niles and himself are the future.

‘But they have had injury issues in that area and [Cedric] is that sort of player, he plays very well out from the back, and it might be something [Arteta] is looking at – competition for places.

‘I think that’s a good addition.’

Cedric, meanwhile, reacting to his move to Arsenal, said: ‘It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true being here, and being able to play for Arsenal is unreal.

‘For me, Arsenal is a top team. They are a very, very good club, with fantastic fans as well. They are known to be so well supported and for me, it’s a pleasure to be here.

‘Like I said, it’s a dream come true because I always thought about coming here and imagined it, and seeing it happen is really amazing.’