Arsenal considering late £5m transfer swoop for Cedric Soares at Southampton

Arsenal are looking to bolster their defence with a late move for full-back Cedric Soares from Southampton according to reports.

Soares, 28, admitted that he will be leaving the Saints for a new chapter in his career and Arsenal are looking to strengthen in defensive areas, having kept just four clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

According to the Mail, the Gunners are prepared to pay £5million plus bonuses for the right-back.

Speaking in Novemeber, Soares said: “Obviously Southampton is very important in my career and always will be.

“But right now after this season I think I am going to make another step and see what is the best for me.”

Despite admitting his wish to leave, Soares has still made 19 appearances for Southampton in all competitions.

Since joining Southampton in 2015, the Portuguese defender has played a key role but after a brief loan spell at Inter Milan last season, a change looks set to happen.

Injuries are piling up for the Arsenal boss, with Shkodran Mustafi taken off on a stretcher during their 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup.

Callum Chambers was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a cruciate knee injury, while Rob Holding is recovering from a similar situation.

Hector Bellerin has struggled with injury problems, having made just four league appearances this season.

Defence has been a major issue for Arsenal this season, leaving them 10th in the Premier League with a goal difference of minus two and Arteta knows it needs urgent attention if the club are to drag themselves into the Europa League spots.

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