Arsenal ‘joined’ in transfer pursuit as defender outlines stance on future

Arsenal end the 2022/23 season with a home clash against Wolves this weekend. The Gunners will be looking to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last time out.

Mikel Arteta’s side have missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours regarding the club...

Defender outlines stance

Cedric Soares wants to ‘stay’ and fight for his place at Arsenal next season, as detailed in a report by the Evening Standard. The right-back, who is a Portugal international with 34 caps under his belt so far in his career, was given the green light to head out the exit door in the January transfer window to get some more game time under his belt and linked up with fellow London clun Fulham.

He has since made eight appearances in all competitions for the Cottagers, six of which have come in the league, and he is due to return to his parent club when his deal with Marco Silva’s men expires. The 31-year-old has been on the books at the Emirates Stadium since joining from Southampton in 2020 and provides competition and back-up to the defensive department.

Transfer chase latest

Arsenal will have to see off competition from Manchester United if they are to sign Declan Rice from West Ham in the next transfer window. According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have ‘joined’ the race for the midfielder’s signature as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of next term.

Rice is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024 and is facing an uncertain long-term future with the Hammers, with an exit deemed likely. His immediate focus will be on helping David Moyes’ side win the Europa Conference League final next month.