Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is widely reported to be Arsenal's priority transfer target this winter, but Mikel Arteta could still strengthen his squad elsewhere.
That’s because Cedric Soares is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal, but it’s fellow Premier League side Fulham who are viewed as the current frontrunners after holding talks with his representatives, according to the Evening Standard.
It’s added that Arsenal and Fulham have not yet held any formal negotiations but it is understood that a loan with an obligation to buy is the most likely structure of any potential deal.
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Cedric’s playing time has been heavily restricted in recent times due to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu being ahead of him in the pecking order under Arteta. The Portuguese international has only made four appearances this season and with Arsenal already through to the last 16 of the Europa League and out of the Carabao Cup, he is unlikely to get many more minutes under his belt.
A move appears to be the best outcome for all parties involved, although it could leave the Gunners light in the full-back position. Despite White and Tomiyasu establishing themselves as quality options for Arteta, the latter has struggled with injuries since his arrival last summer. As have Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney, meaning Tomiyasu has often been utilised at left-back if needed.
Offloading Cedric could be viewed as a risk, but it appears Arsenal have already put a contingency plan in place should he depart. Spanish outlet Relevo claims that Arsenal and Newcastle have entered the race to sign right-back Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid with ‘great force.’
The report adds that both teams have shown great interest and are the closest and most concrete destinations to date, with Fresneda said to have a £26million release clause in his contract.
Fresneda was once in the ranks of the Real Madrid youth academy before he joined Leganes and eventually Valladolid in 2020. The 18-year-old has enjoyed rapid growth since and is now on the brink of taking the biggest step of his career, despite making just six La Liga appearances.
Relevo say that it is a combination of the ‘offensive presence, ability to win games and generosity in his efforts’ that have drawn attention since he broke into the second division side last season.
While Fresneda is clearly talented, it remains to be seen if Arsenal are willing to meet his release clause, considering he would not initially be a regular starter at first-team level.
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