Cedric Soares is a serious January target for Besiktas, who are in need of a right-back as Valentin Rosier prepares to join OGC Nice.

Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Cedric Soares is a serious target for Besiktas in the January transfer window, and transfer talks are underway.

Sources close to the deal suggest an agreement is moving closer, but the details are still to be confirmed. It’s possible Cedric might only move on loan for now, completing a permanent deal on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Cedric is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club for a summer move, now that he’s in the final six months of his contract.

But Besiktas might have more motivation to complete a January move after agreeing to sell their current right-back Valentin Rosier.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Besiktas have an agreement with OGC Nice to loan them Rosier with an obligation to buy in the deal.

Romano adds in an interview with GiveMeSport that Cedric “will leave” Arsenal this month. The journalist suggests it’s still possible the right-back moves to Spain, but we should find out in the next few days.

James Olley of ESPN had previously reported that Villarreal were in the mix for Cedric in January, as well as Besiktas and fellow Turkish club Trabzonspor. The Athletic also recently confirmed Villarreal’s interest.

It seems Besiktas have taken the lead at the moment, with two weeks remaining in the winter window.