Fulham are set to make a formal offer to sign Cedric Soares from Arsenal, but two other clubs remain in the race for the right-back.

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 expected to make a formal offer for Cedric Soares in the coming days. The two options on the table are reportedly either a loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent deal.

Cedric is a long-term target for Fulham and interest is being driven by current manager Marco Silva, but Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen are also set to provide competition for the defender’s signature.

All three clubs have been in contact with Cedric’s representatives, but Fulham currently lead the race.

Santi Aouna of FootMercato provides a very similar update, claiming discussions will soon take place between Fulham and Arsenal, with Atletico and Leverkusen keeping an eye on the situation.

Earlier this month, talkSPORT claimed Fulham were close to finalising a deal for Cedric, but various outlets shot those reports down.

Fabrizio Romano and the Evening Standard reported at the time that whilst the defender is on Silva’s shortlist, negotiations are not yet advanced with Arsenal, and the Gunners hadn’t even decided if they’ll allow Cedric to leave.

Cedric Soares of Arsenal during the warm-up before Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London - 23rd April 2021. Copyright: Holly Allison / TPI / Shutterstock
Cedric Soares of Arsenal during the warm-up before Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London – 23rd April 2021. Copyright: Holly Allison / TPI / Shutterstock

It remains to be seen how Arsenal will respond when Fulham eventually submit their formal offer for the transfer.

Cedric is Fulham’s number-one right-back target, and Arsenal have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the senior squad, 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.