Arsenal sign Cedric Soares from Southampton

Arsenal have completed the loan transfer of Cedric Soares from Southampton by the end of this season, when the player ends his contract with the Saints.

In the deal to sign Cedric Soares from Southampton, Arsenal have the option of giving the right-back a four-year contract at the end of the season.

Cedric becomes the second player to be transferred to the Gunners during this January transfer window, following the transfer of Spanish quarterback Pablo Mari, who came to London on loan from Flamengo.

Arsenal have paid Southampton nearly £ 1m on loan for the 28-year-old and will pay the player himself for the remainder of the season. He is believed to be paid around £ 65,000 a week.

Cedric’s transfer will be welcomed by coach Mikel Arteta, who does not have a perfect replacement for Hector Bellerin in his squad.

He has used midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles in that position several times, while Calum Chamber would have been an option if he had not been injured and out of the squad for nine months.

Cedricu could help Arsenal’s squad in other positions as well, such as the left-back.

Arteta’s squad will face Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, before departing for Dubai for a half-season break. They will then return on 16 February with the match against Newcastle United at the Emirates.