'I want to be here': £75k-a-week Arsenal player is living the dream at the Emirates

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has reiterated his desire to thrive at the Emirates Stadium, in conversation with ESPN.

The 30-year-old has been a solid member of Arsenal’s squad over the past two-and-a-half years.

Mikel Arteta has largely utilised Cedric has cover, but he has been good when called upon.

Last season, the Portugal international started 14 of the Gunners’ final 17 Premier League matches.

This was his best run in the side by some distance since first arriving at the Emirates in January 2020.

Lately, there have been reports linking Cedric with a move away from Arsenal.

Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid have reportedly expressed an interest in the £75,000-a-week defender.

“I want to keep growing”

However, Cedric has made it clear he’s not planning to leave, and that he’s very much living the dream at Arsenal.

“Arsenal was always my dream club since I started to play in Southampton,” Cedric told ESPN.

“I always had the goal to move to Arsenal, and this didn’t change.

“Of course you are more happy when you are involved.

“Being involved here in a massive club like this, with the project we have and the goals the team is fighting for, I want to be here.

“I feel much more established. I feel I earned my space inside the group and I want to keep growing.”

Cedric previously spoke to ESPN last November, when he appeared to be out of favour for club and country.

At the time, he made it clear he would fight for his place and give Arteta a selection headache.

Cedric duly returned to the Portugal fold in March 2022 as well as getting his solid run of games in red and white.

Though he may not be a regular starter, Cedric’s attitude is just what Arteta needs in his dressing room.