According to DN, Arsenal are among the clubs vying for the services of Cedric this summer. The Portuguese international returned to Southampton following a loan stint at Inter Milan but his future at St. Mary’s remain uncertain. As a result, the Gunners are keen on making a move for the right-back, although they could face stiff competition from AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.
Cedric’s spell at Southampton
Cedric initially joined Southampton in a €7 million move from Sporting CP back in 2015. He quickly became a first-team regular for the Saints, featuring in 24 league matches in his debut campaign in England. The 27-year-old followed that up by making atleast 30 appearances in each of the next two seasons.
He also featured in 18 matches for Southampton in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign before Jan Valery outshined him. As a result, the Portuguese international moved to Inter Milan at the start of this year. But, the right-back suffered a disastrous spell in Italy, making only four league appearances.
Cedric has now returned to Southampton but is unlikely to dethrone Valery as the club’s number one right back, even though he was included in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s pre-season preparations this summer.
What can Cedric bring to the table?
Cedric is an athletic fullback, who can move up and down the pitch. He can offer extensive attacking support from the right flank, and his offensive prowess, coupled with his athleticism allows him to feature as a wing-back if needed.
But, at the same time, the 27-year-old is also well aware of his defensive chores. He is capable of making strong tackles while his ability to read the game allows him to neutralise any potential counter-attacking threat or create turnovers in dangerous areas of the pitch.
Should Arsenal make a move for Cedric?
Cedric will be a welcome addition to Arsenal following the departure of Stephan Lichtsteiner. With Hector Bellerin injured, the Swiss international was the only reliable option for the Gunners in the right-back position last season.
Fortunately for Unai Emery, Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a series of promising displays in the right wing-back slot. But then again, the youngster is not a natural fullback. And that’s where Cedric comes into the fray.
The Portuguese international can slot in either as a right-back or a right wing-back, which, in turn, will allow Maitland-Niles to feature in his preferred, advanced role. He can also provide excellent backup for Bellerin once he returns to action next season, thus making Cedric a viable target for the Gunners.
