Arsenal: Signings like Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari necessary

Despite the incredibly slow start to the January transfer window, this week, Arsenal acquired Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares. Both signings are productive purchases.

The January transfer window is not one that generally sparks excitement within the Arsenal fanbase. Winter acquirements like that of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only come once in a blue moon. Most are a little dull, serviceable. Nevertheless, such signings can be valuable. And this January, that is precisely what Arsenal have done.

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This month, the Gunners brought in Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari.

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Cedric, who is more of a household name, had just six months remaining on his contract at Southampton. He arrives on a six-month loan and Arsenal will have the chance to sign him to a pre-contract agreement should they want to keep him beyond the end of the campaign. Given the fact the 28-year-old had over 100 appearances for the Saints, his experience being added to the squad will be incredibly beneficial.

Cedric’s arrival puts less pressure onto the only out-and-out right-back, Hector Bellerin to stay fit. Bellerin’s fitness issues are infamous, so having sufficient depth at the position is obviously vital. Many have argued that Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has been the back-up to Bellerin, will see his game time cut, but I would personally disagree with that notion. I can’t help but think Maitland-Niles is quite happy to see Cedric arrive so he can be given a chance in the midfield, which is apparently his preferred role.

Many seem to forget that apart from Lucas Torreira, there are no other proper defensive midfielders in the squad. The previous manager, Unai Emery, had a detrimental fondness of box-to-box midfielders, leaving the team sparse when it comes to protecting the back four. Maitland-Niles has the defensive instincts and athletic range to play this role excellently. Cedric’s arrival, then, alleviates pressure at both right-back and central midfield.

Similarly, Spanish defender Mari is arriving on loan with an option to buy for a cut-price fee. His arrival appears to be cover for Calum Chambers. The English defender ruptured his ACL and will miss the remainder the season. With Chambers crocked and Dinos Mavropanos out on loan, Arsenal’s central defensive options are hardly plentiful.

There has been positive developments when it comes to protecting the goal under Mikel Arteta, the centre-back position is still a major weakness, in quality and quantity. Arteta also seems to be quite keen on at least one central defender being left-footed, which Mari is. He is also notoriously impressive on the ball, despite his quite clunky manner and figure, which will aid the team in their playing out from the back.

Arteta seems to be refraining from shoving square pegs into round holes. He wants specific players for specific positions. The likes of Mari and Cedric may not be the most exciting signings, but they are sensible, and that is no bad thing.