‘What is this board doing’: Some Arsenal fans react as loanee reportedly set to sign permanent deal

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A number of Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to give their thoughts on the Noticias Ao Minuto report claiming a deal to sign Gunners loanee Cedric Soares permanently is “practically done”.

In January, the Gunners brought the 28-year-old defender to the Emirates Stadium on loan from fellow Premier League side Southampton.

Soares – whose Saints contract runs out soon – is yet to make a first-team appearance for Arsenal due to injury issues plus the enforced football suspension in wake of the global health crisis.

However, ESPN reported earlier on Tuesday that Mikel Arteta has been impressed by Soares’ professionalism and positive impact on the Gunners dressing room.

Portuguese outlet Noticias Ao Minuto followed this up with a report saying the deal – involving a three-year contract as of the end of the season – is “practically done”.

The reports have claimed that, due to player registration regulations, Southampton must technically extend his contract first before Arsenal can prolong his loan.

However, talks were believed to be ongoing on Tuesday, with all parties reportedly confident that an agreement will be reached.

Soares won Euro 2016 with Portugal, featured at the 2018 World Cup and spent last season on loan at Inter Milan, helping the Serie A side qualify for the Champions League.

Given there won’t be a transfer fee involved, Arsenal will save some money too – crucial given current events.

But what have Arsenal fans made of the speculation? Below is some of the social media reaction: