Southampton Were 'Surprised' At Arsenal's £5 Million Move For Cedric Soares

Arsenal's approach for Cedric Soares in the January transfer window came as a big 'surprise' to Southampton, with the Saints pretty happy with the loan deal for their right back.

Mikel Arteta has been playing Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right back predominantly at the beginning his spell as Arsenal manager, thanks to injuries in the squad.

During the transfer window they signed Cedric Soares on loan until the end of the season from Southampton, a move that the Saints were very happy with.

The Athletic report that the Saints could "barely believe" the £5 million deal due to the face the right back is injured and available for free at the end of the season. Instead they got what they wanted for the player.

Soares might not be seen in the kit again for a few weeks. Image: Arsenal.com

Soares picked up a knee ligament injury in the game against Crystal Palace on January 21st and could be out injured until March.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's team were already in the market for a right back due to Soares injury and signed Kyle Walker-Peters on loan from Spurs.

The 28-year-old's contract expires at St Mary's at the end of the season and with the injury they were expecting that he'd be leaving for nothing at the end of the season.

Arsenal are also happy with the move for the Portuguese full back as they think they're getting exactly what they want once he's back fit and are confident with how he is recovering at the moment.

By taking him on loan the Gunners aren't guaranteed to sign him permanently and he could still talk to other clubs, which fans would think would be very them if they did miss out on him.

Hector Bellerin has recently returned from injury meaning that the Spaniard can take over duties from Maitland-Niles and potentially allow the youngster to play in midfield.

Bellerin is back in action. Image: PA Images

Since the beginning of 2020 Arteta's side have only won once but they're also undefeated having drawn their past four matches, most recently in a 0-0 with Burnley.

They're currently in 10th place on 31 points, leaving them 10 points behind Chelsea in the Champions League places and look set to miss out on Europe's elite competition, unless they win the Europa League.

Topics: Football News, Transfer rumours, Southampton, Premier League, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Arsenal, Transfer news, Mikel Arteta

Ryan Sidle

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