Arsenal star linked with January exit after sporting director meets with Edu in London

Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares has been linked with a return to Portugal after Sporting Lisbon’s director met with Edu Gaspar in London.

Despite picking up just a solitary point in their midweek fixture against Newcastle, the Gunners have been in blistering form this term.

Arsenal currently sit at the summit of the Premier League, some eight points from last season’s champions Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side play their game in hand against Chelsea this evening.

Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in some attackers to consolidate their title challenge, with the club having reportedly already seen two bids for Mykhailo Mudryk this window.

Given Shakhtar Donetsk are said to be demanding some £88million for the 22-year-old, there are likely to be some outgoings at the Emirates.

Cedric to leave Arsenal?

Portuguese outlet Record have claimed that Sporting director Hugo Viana has recently been in London, and met with Arsenal technical director Edu.

Of course, whether the pair met to discuss transfer business or are just old friends is unclear.

However, Arsenal’s out-of-favour full-back Cedric has been tipped for a January exit and a potential return to Portugal.

The 31-year-old had strongly been linked with a move to Fulham, though the deal has reportedly been stalled due to the player’s wage demands.

Cedric is said to earn around £65,000 a week at Arsenal, and Fulham are allegedly reluctant to cover that salary in full.

The potential break-down in the Portuguese star’s Fulham deal could open the door for him to return to Sporting - the club where he began his career.