Galatasaray want to sign Cedric Soares permanently in the next few days, football.london has learned.
The Portuguese has been out of favor at the Emirates Stadium this season, making just one appearance in all competitions. Although his professional attitude has won him many admirers at the club during this period, he is no longer part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Cedric’s chances of playing are only likely to diminish in the coming weeks. Takehiro Tomiyasu will return from the Asian Cup in less than two weeks, while there is hope that Jurrien Timber could return before the end of the season. Despite being a thoroughbred, Thomas Partey is also ahead of Cedric at the Emirates.
Football.london revealed Galatasaray’s interest in the 32-year-old last week as the Turkish champions look to replace Sacha Boe after the French right-back joined Bayern Munich. Galatasaray are said to be willing to pay a small compensation for Cedric, whose contract with Arsenal expires at the end of this season. They will also offer him a two and a half year contract. It is unlikely that the Gunners will stand in the way of the Portuguese international’s £100,000 a week.
The English transfer window closes on February 1 at 23:00 CET, but it is not certain that a deal will be done by then. The Turkish transfer window is open until February 9. However, with the departure of Boes, Galatasaray are keen to complete a deal for an experienced defender.
Galatasaray’s Istanbul rivals, Besiktas, have also shown their desire to sign Cedric this month. For now, it is Galatasaray who are making the biggest efforts.
“January business was not possible,” Arteta explained to TNT Sports. “And now we haven’t had the chance to improve the team in the way we think we want to improve it. So we decided not to do anything yet.”