How Arsenal’s right-back transfer strategy impacts Cedric and Chambers

Cedric Soares

Besides the obvious point being that Cedric isn’t viewed as a strong enough first-choice right-back (he was never signed as one) there could be scope for flexibility in the full-back positions if another right-back is secured.

Arsenal absolutely, unequivocally, have to sign a left-back in the summer. If the recruitment team can’t see that then there is no hope.

However, if whatever money is accrued for Bellerin – one of few valuable assets – gets spent, with extra, on someone like Achraf Hakimi then the pot will dwindle.

It’s been readily reported that Arsenal will seek to sign a ‘young player of high quality’ who will come in and learn under Kieran Tierney in the long-term.

Having performed well in the Scot’s stead during this season, Cedric’s relative comfort on the opposite flank could allow Arsenal to sign someone of an even younger profile for Tierney’s understudy, knowing Cedric can cover for ‘big games’ in his absence.

There are obvious drawbacks with Cedric on that side that can’t be ironed out, and those limitations have a large bearing on how the team performs, but he can do the job to a respectable degree. Knowing Chambers can cover right-back and the Portuguese can cover left-back means the Gunners can pluck a talented gem with his whole career ahead of him to mould into the position.

Arsenal still need a left-back, but there may be cost cutting measures in place and this could be one of them. Doesn’t mean it’s right, it just may be so.