Arsenal’s Cedric makes transfer decision as Maitland-Niles waits in the wings

Cedric Soares to stay

Arsenal saw one right-back depart in the form of Hector Bellerin, and Bologna right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu join the club on deadline day.

The addition meant that Arsenal once again find themselves with four players capable of playing at right-back, with Tomiyasu joining Cedric Soares, Callum Chambers and Aisley Maitland-Niles as options for Mikel Arteta to call upon at right-back.

It was rumoured that Cedric may have been the man to lose out, with the Portuguese defender reportedly attracting interest from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce, whose transfer window remains open for the next week.

However, as reported by Football.London, Cedric has vowed to stay and fight for his place in north London despite the hefty competition.

The Maitland-Niles conundrum

This decision may prove increasingly damaging to Cedric if Maitland-Niles is to be reinstated into the side. The versatile Englishman has been promised to be a part of the first team following a public plea for gametime on Instagram.

However, Maitland-Niles and Mikel Arteta are reported to have held “clear the air” talks on deadline day,

As per Sami Mokbel:

“The player and Arteta held constructive talks on this afternoon during which Maitland-Niles was told he will feature in the club’s plans this season.”

With Maitland-Niles an option both at right-back and in central midfield, it remains to be seen just where that leaves Cedric Soares.