Arsenal is eager to narrow the gap with Premier League leaders Liverpool in their upcoming clash at The Emirates on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s squad currently enjoys a five-point lead at the summit, while the Gunners, sitting in third place, have the chance to close in to within two points with a victory.
Liverpool arrives in top form, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over rivals Chelsea in their recent outing. However, ahead of the anticipated match, news has surfaced regarding a fringe player at Arsenal who turned down a potential departure during the January transfer window.
As reported by Record via Sport Witness, full-back Cedric Soares declined an offer to join Portuguese side Benfica. Talks between Benfica and Arsenal took place, exploring the possibility of a move for the Portuguese player. Despite the negotiations, Soares was unwilling to accept a pay cut to relocate to Lisbon, ultimately choosing to remain at Arsenal.
Soares, 32, initially joined Arsenal from Southampton in January 2020, solidifying his move permanently that summer. Despite his tenure, he has primarily played a peripheral role, accumulating 61 appearances across all competitions. During the second half of the previous season, the Portugal international embarked on a loan spell with fellow Premier League side Fulham, featuring in eight matches across various competitions.
In the current season, Soares has seen limited action, making only two appearances across all competitions, with no Premier League involvement under Arteta. He finds himself behind players like Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the defensive pecking order at The Emirates.
With Soares’ contract set to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign, it appears increasingly likely that he will part ways with North London this summer. The rejection of Benfica’s offer indicates his commitment to staying at Arsenal, even if it means enduring a limited role, at least until the conclusion of his contract. The impending summer transfer window could mark the next chapter for Cedric Soares as he seeks new opportunities beyond his current stint with Arsenal.
