'You can see the attitude': Arteta hails £75k-a-week Arsenal player's drive

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Cedric Soares for his attitude, in conversation with the Gunners media team.

The 30-year-old has been a solid and reliable 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.

Cedric’s lack of regular time at Arsenal has led to speculation emerging about his future.

However, the £75,000-a-week defender has made it clear he wants to stay put at the Emirates.

On Wednesday evening, Cedric featured for Arsenal’s Under-21s in their Premier League Cup win over Swansea.

He was one of three first-teamers in the starting XI alongside Emile Smith Rowe and summer signing Fabio Vieira.

“He wanted to play”

Arteta, speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth, spoke about the trio.

“I think there were three different cases.

“Marquinhos has been playing with the U21s, and we didn’t believe that it was necessary for him to play again.

“Fabio and Emile – they have been injured, they haven’t had any minutes, they needed that exposure.

“With Cedric it was more a case of giving him the option.

“He wasn’t in the squad last week, he hasn’t played many minutes in pre-season.

“We have to give the option for them.

“He said straight away that he wanted to play, and you can see the attitude that he has.”

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.