Cedric Soares is set to stay at Arsenal despite interest from Fulham football.london understands.
Reports linked the Portuguese international, who is yet to make a first-team appearance for Mikel Arteta's side this season, with a late switch from north to west London on transfer deadline day. However, although Marco Silva's side did show interest in Cedric earlier on in the window, the 31-year-old remains determined to stay with Arsenal to fight for his place.
The news comes amid reports that Hector Bellerin is closing in on a move to Barcelona. The Spaniard had been heavily linked with a return to Real Betis, where he spent last season on loan, but talks are now said to be progressing over a potential contract termination that would see Bellerin head back to the Camp Nou, where he spent some of his formative years.
READ MORE: Arsenal make transfer decision on winger with promising youngster set to stay with Gunners
Arsenal's right-back options are set to be trimmed down even further with Ainsley Maitland-Niles in talks with Southampton over a loan move with an option to buy football.london understands. This comes amid confirmation that the Gunners have the option to trigger a one-year contract extension on the England international's deal.
Cedric will therefore face competition from Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White for the Arsenal starting right back spot. Thus far, it has been White in possession of the role, with Tomiyasu coming on to end the last four of the Gunners' matches. Cedric, meanwhile, has been keeping himself ready as an option for Arteta and played the full 90 minutes for Mehmet Ali's under-21s side as they beat Swansea 2-1 in the Premier League Cup.
"With Cedric, it was more a case of giving him the option," Arteta said of the decision to give Cedric game time with the 21s. "He wasn't in the squad last week. He hasn't played many minutes in pre-season. We have to give the option for them. He said straight away that he wanted to play, and you can see the attitude that he has."
READ MORE:
Danilo unlikely, Mudryk rival, Elneny decision, Tielemans option - Arsenal transfer state of play
Every word Arteta said on Arsenal transfer plan, Elneny and Partey injuries and Odegaard fitness
The 3 deals Arsenal are working on for Deadline Day as Danilo links spark Bukayo Saka concern
Danilo and Mudryk deals completed, Zaha signs - Arsenal's best and worst transfer deadline day
Arsenal have £15m Douglas Luiz alternative as Arteta admits last minute change in transfer plans
