Arsenal give player permission to speak to Fulham about potential winter switch

Fulham are reportedly in discussions with Arsenal’s Cedric Soares over a move. The right-back has been linked with a switch to Craven Cottage for a while now and Marco Silva’s side appear to be making progress.

According to Sky Sports (live transfer blog, 17.01.23, 14.40), the Cottagers are now in ‘talks’ and are discussing ‘personal terms’ with the player. The Gunners have given him permission to speak to the fellow London club.

Cedric, 31, still has another year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium but has slipped down the pecking order with the Premier League table toppers. He has made four appearances in all competitions so far this season, with only two of those coming in the league.

A winter switch to Fulham would help him get some more game time and they have been targeting reinforcements in his position this month. He will be seen as ideal competition for Kenny Tete and his potential arrival could also spell the end for Kevin Mbabu, who has struggled to make an impact in England since his summer switch from Wolfsburg.

Arsenal signed Cedric back in 2020 and he has since provided cover to their defensive department. Prior to his move there, he spent five years at Southampton and played 138 times for the Saints.