Cedric Soares’ wages are holding up his transfer to Fulham, according to a report, despite the player being left out of Arsenal’s squad on Tuesday.

The Evening Standard report that Fulham’s move for Arsenal’s Cedric Soares is being held up by his wage demands, with the player currently earning around £65,000-a-week and Fulham reluctant to match that.

Fulham are keen to sign Cedric and Arsenal are ready to sell, but the Cottagers don’t feel they need to take any risks in the market this month.

Yet Cedric was left out of Arsenal’s squad against Newcastle United on Tuesday, an apparent indication that his exit is growing near.

The Standard had previously reported that Fulham were expected to make a formal offer for Cedric imminently. 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 provided a very similar update, claiming discussions will soon take place between Fulham and Arsenal, with Atletico and Leverkusen keeping an eye on the situation.

Last 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 were not yet advanced with Arsenal, and the Gunners hadn’t even decided if they’ll allow Cedric to leave.