Arsenal have strengthened their squad during the current January transfer window with the recent arrival of Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners have also recently announced the signing of Jakub Kiwior to add another figure to Mikel Arteta’s defensive options.
In terms of potential outgoings, one player at the north London club that has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this month is full-back Cedric Soares.
Indeed, ESPN has claimed the Portuguese ace is all but set to move across London on loan.
Having made just four appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this season, it’s clear that the 31-year-old is currently not at the top of Arteta’s pecking order.
This is understandable given how his only full game of the season saw Arsenal lose 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, with the Evening Standard describing Soares’ night as a “difficult” one given how two of the Seagulls’ goals came from his side of the pitch.
If the right-back were to find himself leaving the club this month, one player that the Gunners have been linked with that could be a suitable long-term replacement for Soares is Ivan Fresneda.
However, there is competition for his services, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United also in the running for the youngster, according to The Athletic.
With 10 La Liga appearances to his name this season, the 18-year-old has won more tackles (19) than any other player at Real Valladolid.
Would you like to see Arsenal sign Fresneda this month?
Yes
No
In addition to that, the teenager is also listed in the top five for the number of interceptions (13) and clearances (27) made at the Spanish club.
This highlights the defensive talent the youngster has on top of his ability to get the ball into dangerous attacking positions, having totalled the joint-fourth-highest number of crosses delivered (26) at his current side.
Taking all of this into account, we feel that signing the Valladolid dynamo would be a smart long-term investment for Arsenal to make and give them the chance to get rid of Soares without weakening their squad.
Moving forward, if the Gunners do end up moving the Portuguese full-back out of the club before the end of the month, replacing him with Fresneda would be a great next step for all parties.