Cedric Soares says Arsenal have a 'fantastic' 23-year-old in their ranks

Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares has spoken to Sky Sports about his friendship with Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Portugal international says his fellow Gunners right-back is a “fantastic guy” with a really high ceiling.

Arsenal signed Tomiyasu late last summer as Hector Bellerin completed a loan move to Real Betis.

The 23-year-old quickly cemented his spot in the Gunners starting XI and has become a fan favourite.

However, he has been out of action for most of the calendar year due to injuries he sustained in both calves.

Cedric has filled in admirably for Tomiyasu and even kept the Japan international on the bench against Brentford.

Mikel Arteta said at his pre-Crystal Palace press conference on Thursday that Tomiyasu was “close” to a return.

Sky Sports asked Cedric whether he felt the Arsenal boss would pick him at Selhurst Park or bring Tomiyasu back.

“This is a question for Mikel,” Cedric responded. “I will do my job and Tomi will as well.

He was fit in the last one or two weeks but the coach kept me on the team. So it’s his call in the end.”

“I’m there to help him”

Cedric reiterated that he’s “not afraid of competition” and that strength in depth is beneficial for Arsenal.

He also spoke of how he and Tomiyasu are friends and help each other out when the other isn’t playing.

“Me and Tomi are good friends. We try to help each other on the pitch.

“Before the game, I sometimes help him when I’m not playing. Sometimes he helps me.

“When he came, of course I knew he was going to have these opportunities [to start] – that’s why he came in the first place!

“What’s important is that me and Tomiyasu have a natural, positive relationship and we both want to help the team in every moment.

“He’s a fantastic guy, he’s young, so he has also a lot of room to keep improving. I’m there to help him and that’s what I’m trying.”