Arsenal defender makes U-turn on transfer decision

Jacque Talbot

1 Feb 2024 11:35 GMT
3 min read

Cedric Soares will stay at Arsenal until his contract expires this summer, according to reports.

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The defender has been the subject of interest of several Turkish sides this window but it appears that he will remain in North London, states Chris Wheatley of National World.

Galatasaray were in talks to complete a deal for Soares for a nominal transfer fee but the deal was never finalised.

The 32-year-old could still go there as the Turkish transfer window is open for eight days beyond the close of the Premier League's.

Soares has made just two senior appearances under Mikel Arteta this season, while he has five months left on his current £70,000-a-week contract.

A move to Galatasaray would see Cedric link up with his former Gunners team-mate Lucas Torreira. Also in the squad are Chelsea loanee Hakim Ziyech, Tottenham loanee Tanguay Ndombele, and Crystal Palace legend and former Manchester United man Wilfried Zaha. Notable names Dries Mertens, Davinson Sanchez, and Mauro Icardi also play for the Istanbul-based side.

Excl: Cedric Soares will stay at Arsenal until his contract expires this summer. 🇵🇹

Several Turkish teams showed interest in the January window, but a move didn't come to fruition. pic.twitter.com/VePAPvRon7
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) February 1, 2024

What did Cedric Soares say about his future at Arsenal?

Speaking to DAZN Portugal, Cedric explained his desire to stay with the Gunners last summer. He said: We’re very supportive of each other, we’re a family, even when we’re not playing.

"Everyone wants to play and I also always really want to play, that’s what makes me competitive in football.

"It’s what gets me to training every day with that determination, but also to realise that we have to contribute, even if we’re not in the squad sometimes.

"That is the aspect I think I developed a lot at Arsenal. Sometimes you have to work for the group and not focus so much on yourself individually."