Arsenal star Cedric Soares could be 'moved on' if Mikel Arteta succeeds in luring Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda to the Emirates Stadium, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told GiveMeSport.

Although the Gunners are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, incomings and outgoings could be overseen ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at the end of the month.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Arsenal transfer news - Cedric Soares

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are ready to sell Cedric after he has become a peripheral figure and Fulham are among his suitors.

However, the report suggests the Portugal international's wage demands have proven to be a stumbling block and the Cottagers are reluctant to match his current pay package.

Cedric is on a contract worth £75,000-per-week at the Emirates Stadium and it would be an ideal time for Arsenal to offload the right-back as he has entered the final 18 months of his agreement.

But Craven Cottage is not his only potential destination as La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, along with Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, have also shown an interest and made contact with the 31-year-old's representatives.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has previously told GiveMeSport that Cedric wants to seal a mid-season departure from Arsenal after working his way onto the radar of numerous clubs.

What has Ryan Taylor said about Cedric?

Taylor believes Cedric could be sold if Arsenal make the key signing of Fresneda, having joined the race for the Valladolid youngster's signature.

However, the journalist feels there is a strong possibility that the former Southampton man will remain in north London if Arteta fails to draft in an alternative right-back option.

Taylor told GiveMeSport: "If Fresneda were to arrive this month, there's obviously a chance that Cedric could then be moved on.

"But at the moment, from what I understand, Arteta is really not keen to weaken his squad. Even though he knows Cedric is more than likely not going to play, it seems a little bit of a risk for Arsenal to move players on without replacing them."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Fresneda be an upgrade on Cedric at Arsenal?

According to FBref, Fresneda has averaged more tackles and blocks than Cedric per 90 minutes since the current campaign got underway, which suggests he could be a more reliable presence in Arsenal's backline.

While Cedric has struggled for game-time with the Gunners, having been restricted to just 119 minutes of action in all competitions this term, Fresneda has been performing at a consistent level.

In fact, only three Valladolid teammates have bettered the 18-year-old's 6.73 WhoScored average match rating for La Liga outings.

That emphasises that Arsenal would be securing an up-and-coming talent, while Sofascore statistics also show Fresneda has averaged 3.2 tackles, 2.7 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game.

With those numbers, it is easy to see why Arteta is targeting the Spaniard, but it will not be easy to get a deal over the line as Manchester United have joined the Gunners and Newcastle United in the race for his signature.

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