Fulham ‘will get deal done’ for £100k-a-week star at Craven Cottage

Fulham are expected to seal the loan acquisition of Cedric Soares after the Arsenal star was identified as Craven Cottage boss Marco Silva’s ‘number one target at right-back’, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told GiveMeSport.

The Cottagers are still looking to make their first signing of the January transfer window, with the deadline now looming.

Fulham transfer news – Cedric Soares

According to the Evening Standard, Fulham are set to complete the signing of Cedric this week after the addition of a new right-back was made a priority by Silva.

The report suggests the Portugal international will head to Craven Cottage on a six-month loan deal which does not include an option to make the switch permanent.

It is understood that negotiations have accelerated in recent days and Fulham will cover the entirety of Cedric’s £100,000-per-week wages.

With the west Londoners being unable to register more than two players on loan from Premier League rivals, Shane Duffy is preparing to make the permanent move from Brighton & Hove Albion to pave the way for the 31-year-old.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor recently told GiveMeSport that Cedric could be moved on if Arsenal succeed in winning the race for Real Valladolid teenager Ivan Fresneda.

What has Michael Bridge said about Cedric?

Bridge understands that Cedric was been on Silva’s radar for a prolonged period and, despite not initially wanting to depart Premier League leaders Arsenal, he is now open to the switch.

The Sky Sports reporter has backed Fulham to rubber-stamp the loan move ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

Bridge told GiveMeSport: “It’s a player that Marco Silva has wanted for a while and, with that interest, I think Cedric’s finally coming around to it.

“I don’t think he massively wanted to leave and I think Arteta was happy for him to stay, but it looks like this is coming to an end now.

“It’s going to be a loan signing and he was Fulham’s number one target at right-back, so I think this one will get done.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Cedric be a good signing for Fulham?

FBref statistics show that Cedric has averaged more blocks per 90 minutes than current Fulham right-back options Kenny Tete and Kevin Mbabu over the last year, so it could be argued that he would make the backline even more solid.

Although the former Southampton man has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal and been restricted to just 119 minutes of action this season, there is no doubt that he would be an astute addition to the Cottagers’ squad.

Cedric boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having made 158 appearances in the competition, and that will be a huge attraction for Fulham as they look to challenge for a European spot.

An eye-catching total of 37 goal contributions, over the course of his senior career, shows the Euro 2016 winner is capable of being a threat in the final third of the pitch as well.

Cedric played under Silva 35 times while they were together at Sporting, so a reunion may be beneficial for all parties.

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