Official: Arsenal confirm Cedric arrival on loan from Southampton

Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Portuguese defender Cedric Soares on loan till the end of the season from Premier League rivals Southampton.

Arsenal have completed their second signing of the January transfer window, having confirmed the transfer of Portuguese international Cedric Soares from Southampton on the transfer deadline day.

Arsenal were in the market for reinforcements at centre-back and right-back following Calum Chambers’ season-ending injury. Hector Bellerin has had his own injury problems throughout the campaign while Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been inconsistent, which led to Mikel Arteta wanting a new right-sided full-back.

And the arrival of Cedric meets the Arsenal manager’s requirements. The 28-year-old signs for the Gunners on loan till the end of the season, but there is no option to make the transfer permanent.

Cedric becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the winter transfer window, following the arrival of Spanish defender Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo. The 33-time capped Portuguese international will be wearing shirt number 17 during his time with the North London club.

Speaking to the club’s official website on his signing, Cedric 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.”

Speaking of the transfer, Arsenal technical director Edu said, “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. We are all looking forward to going into the last stages of the season with Cedric as part of the club.”

Having joined Southampton in the summer of 2015, Cedric leaves the Saints after making 138 appearances during which he scored 3 goals. Arsenal supporters will have to wait till the next month to see the Portuguese in action though, as he is currently recovering from an injury.