Report: Club now unsure about signing ‘fantastic’ Arsenal man, his wage demands are way too high

By Ben Evans

The January transfer window has now opened, and Arsenal are expecting both incomings and outgoings this month.

A report from Evening Standard has provided an update on a player potentially leaving The Emirates.

Mikel Arteta won’t want to cause too much disruption to his squad this month.

The Gunners are in a fantastic position, and currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Arteta has settled on a starting line-up in the league that he only moves away from if absolutely necessary.

It’s meant that a number of his fringe players have barely played in the Premier League.

One of those players is Cedric Soares, who could be on his way out of the club.

Fulham have been closely linked with the Portuguese defender in recent days.

However, the Evening Standard now believe Fulham are unsure about signing Cedric due to his wage demands.

They suggest that Cedric currently earns £65,000-a-week at Arsenal.

This would make the 31-year-old Fulham’s fifth highest earner, which is a lot of money for a player who isn’t even guaranteed to start.

Fulham unsure about Cedric’s wage demands

The ‘fantastic’ defender very much suits a move to the newly promoted club.

Under Marco Silva, Fulham have built an exciting squad with a heavy bias towards Portuguese speakers.

He’s also given a second-chance to a number of players who struggled during their last spells in England.

Arsenal fans may not fondly remember Willian’s time at the club, but he’s been brilliant at Craven Cottage.

Likewise, Manchester United never saw the best of Andreas Pereira, who is now one of the league’s most creative players at Fulham.

Although Fulham may be unsure about paying Cedric’s wages, the Arsenal squad will be happy if he decides to stay.

Eddie Nketiah previously said he’s the funniest player in the squad, and is clearly good for morale.

League titles are won on fine margins, and Arteta may consider this when ultimately deciding whether Cedric can leave.

Unfortunately, minutes are proving hard to come by for the Portuguese, who may have to settle for a bit-part role in Arsenal’s cup campaigns if he stays.