Cedric Soares 'to leave Arsenal as free agent this summer'

Cedric has been forced to watch the majority of the 2023-24 season from the sidelines, having fallen to the bottom of the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.

Although Cedric can play on the right or left side of defence, Arteta has preferred to utilise the likes of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.

As a result, the 32-year-old has had to settle for just five competitive appearances this season, with only one of those taking place from the first whistle.

While he has featured in three of Arsenal's last four league matches, Cedric is yet to feature in the starting lineup of a top-flight game this season.

With Cedric on the periphery of the Arsenal squad, journalist Fabrizio Romano is reporting he will be allowed to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

Cedric is set to enter the final three months of his contract, and Arsenal seemingly have no interest in extending his stay with the club.

Nevertheless, Cedric is determined to remain the ultimate professional and is fully committed to Arsenal until his contract expires on June 30.

The former Portugal international was linked with a move to Turkey in January, but a transfer ultimately failed to materialise.

However, the versatile defender is already attracting interest from a number of European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

Cedric has spent the last four years at the Emirates Stadium after arriving from Southampton on an initial six-month loan deal in January 2020.

The full-back has gone on to make a total of 62 appearances for the club, chipping in with two goals and five assists.

Cedric also spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, where he featured in just six Premier League matches.

The Portuguese will hope to be involved in the matchday squad when Arsenal returns from the international break with a crucial clash with Manchester City on March 31.