Arsenal can’t turn down glorious transfer opportunity

Arsenal, the side desperate to move on a number of fringe players in the squad, head into Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest low of bodies. It’s somewhat ironic.

The depleted squad Mikel Arteta has to work with mainly centres around central midfield, where with Granit Xhaka’s mooted absence there is only one senior option in Albert Sambi Lokonga to select from.

It’s quite remarkable, really. Especially with crunch Carabao Cup ties and a Premier League meeting with Tottenham to come this month.

But there are some areas of the squad that are quite the opposite. Positions like right-back.

Arsenal can’t turn down glorious Cedric Soares transfer opportunity with Atletico Madrid wanting loan move with a view to permanent signing

Only one of the right-backs in the group is anywhere near the desired level, and Takehiro Tomiyasu has been so magnificent since he joined that the bar keeps raising far beyond the others’ reach. There will be movement in that department at some stage, but why not now?

As per The Athletic, and various other outlets, Atletico Madrid have registered genuine interest in taking Cedric Soares on loan with a view to permanent transfer in the summer. Kieran Trippier has left Champions League knockout football for a relegation scrap and they’re light in that area.

What utterly fantastic news. There is not only a club willing to pay actual money for a 30-year-old with two and a half years left on his contract, they’re also a side with real pedigree that you’d be foolish to turn down. This isn’t Antalyaspor offering this, it’s Atletico Madrid. Cedric would surely love it.

So, when can we sign? Well, that’s the thing, you see; Arsenal are reluctant to let him go for fear of leaving them light in that department.

Why?

Sure, Cedric is number two and Calum Chambers has been quite dreadful this season, but so what? Play Nuno Tavares there. Play Benjamin White there. Play Chambers there if needs be when Tomiyasu isn’t available.

Arsenal can more than easily make do with what they have. There is no European football to deal with and Tomiyasu can fly the flag in the Premier League, injury notwithstanding. It really isn’t a big deal at all. The squad will not be crippled without Cedric.

As mentioned, he’s 30 years old with two and a half years left on his deal. Take this offer and run with it. It will not come again. And, beyond that, it gets Kia Joorabchian’s grubby paws out of the club.

This deal should be snapped at. It’s a wonderful opening to shift an average and ageing player on for a fee in line with his contract length when nobody else wants him. It shouldn’t even be a consideration.