It’s increasingly likely Cedric Soares will leave Arsenal in January, despite recent reports to the contrary, with three clubs in for him.

James Olley of ESPN reports that it seems increasingly likely that Cedric Soares will leave Arsenal in the January transfer window.

There’s reportedly no deal close yet with any interested club, but Villarreal, Trabzonspor, and Besiktas all remain in for the Arsenal defender, whose contract expires in the summer.

The Athletic also recently confirmed Villarreal’s interest in Cedric, though they wrote that the right-back may be required to stick around a bit longer.

James McNicholas wrote that Arsenal may determine that Cedric is needed as cover, at least until the club make a new signing or two.

Olley seems to be suggesting the opposite, that Cedric is very much on the way out at the moment.

The ESPN journalist and Chris Wheatley had previously suggested that Arsenal were open to letting Cedric leave in January, given his expiring contract, and Olley seems to be standing by that stance.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is still out injured and set to go away with Japan for the AFC Asian Cup in January, and Jurrien Timber still absent as well.

Cedric only made his first start of the season for Arsenal earlier this month, playing against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

When everyone is fit, there’s clearly not a significant need for Cedric’s presence in the squad.

Ben White, Tomiyasu, and Timber would all be competing for the starting right-back spot, Thomas Partey has also been used in the position, and young prospect Reuell Walters appears increasingly close to making the step up.

But Olley is suggesting the club are willing to take the risk that Cedric won’t be needed as cover in the second half of the campaign.