Arsenal sign Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton

Arsenal has completed the signing of Cedric Soares from Southampton.

The right-back has arrived on loan until the end of the season when his current deal with the Saints will expire. Arsenal has an option included which could then see them hand the Portugal international a four-year contract in the summer.

Cedric becomes the Gunners’ second new addition of the transfer window, following on from the arrival of Spanish centre-back Pablo Mari, who joined on loan from Flamengo.

Arsenal has paid Southampton a loan fee of just under £1 million for the 28-year-old and will cover his wages for the rest of the campaign, which is believed to be around £65,000 per week.

Speaking about his move to Emirates Stadium, Cedric said: “It’s a dream come true being here and being able to play for Arsenal is unreal.

“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.

“As 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.”

The addition of a new right-back will be a boost for Mikel Arteta, who doesn’t have a like-for-like replacement for Hector Bellerin in his squad.

He has used Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a natural central midfielder, in that role at times while Calum Chambers would have been an option, but he has been ruled out for nine months having ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Cedric will also bring some versatility to Arteta’s squad, as he can also operate on the left side of a back four.

“Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at an international level,” commented Arsenal’s technical director 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.