Though Fulham indeed lead the race to sign Cedric Soares, reports from Arsenal correspondents suggest it’s not close just yet.

Cedric Soares playing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter)
Cedric Soares playing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter)

The Evening Standard report that Fulham are frontrunners to sign Arsenal’s Cedric Soares in January, but they disagree with some of the details reported elsewhere.

Whilst Sky Sports recently reported that Fulham want to sign Cedric on a permanent deal, the Evening Standard claim it’s actually likely to be a loan with an obligation to buy. Though not significantly different, that does suggest Cedric would only leave permanently in the summer.

Then, whilst talkSPORT claim Fulham are close to finalising a deal, the Evening Standard counter that Fulham have only held preliminary talks with the player’s representatives.

Arsenal and Fulham are reportedly yet to hold formal negotiations, and the Gunners haven’t even decided if they’ll allow Cedric to leave.

But Cedric is Fulham’s number-one right-back target, and Arsenal have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, as well as the likes of Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Reuell Walters coming through the academy.

If Arsenal feel they can do without Cedric for the next few months, it may be for the best to cash in now and open up an opportunity for their youngsters to make their next steps into Mikel Arteta’s squad next season.

Carabao Cup Arsenal v AFC Wimbledon Alexandre Lacazette 9 of Arsenal celebrates his goal with , Cedric Soares to make it 1-0 London Emirates Stadium Greater London United Kingdom Copyright: Arron Gent/News Images
Carabao Cup Arsenal v AFC Wimbledon Alexandre Lacazette 9 of Arsenal celebrates his goal with Cedric Soares to make it 1-0 London Emirates Stadium Greater London United Kingdom Copyright: Arron Gent/News Images

Right-back is a priority position for Fulham in the winter window, and the club hope their positive links with Cedric’s agent Kia Joorabchian will help their case. Joorabchian brought Willian to Fulham in the summer.

Cedric has a deal at Arsenal lasting until 2024, and ESPN reported in November that Fulham, Bayer Leverkusen, and Villarreal were all interested in signing Cedric in the January window.

The Evening Standard confirm that Leverkusen and Villarreal are still in the race.

Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge added in November that Cedric wants to move on, so he’s not likely to cause any problems.

As well as having an existing relationship with Cedric’s agent, Fulham also have a relationship with Arsenal’s transfer team, having agreed a deal for Bernd Leno’s move in the summer.