Arsenal U-turn for Cedric as Gunners ace set to stay despite links away from club

Arsenal right-back Cedric will reportedly remain at the club beyond this summer, despite links to a transfer away from the side.

Cedric has been a bit-part player at Arsenal since his move from Southampton in 2020. The right-back has made 55 appearances in his time at the club.

Almost half of those appearances have come this season. Injuries to starting right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu meant Cedric was needed to fill in for much of the campaign.

The Portuguese has acquitted himself well, too, as the Gunners won 16 games in which Cedric featured. The right-back also scored and assisted against Everton on the final day of the season.

There has been speculation over Cedric’s future this season. Given his fringe role, a move to another club to gain more minutes could have been expected.

What’s more, a report last month stated that he ‘will leave’ the club at the end of the season. That report mentioned a couple of clubs with interest in taking him on board.

However, football.london reports that Cedric is set to stay at Arsenal this summer.

Despite going under the radar a lot of the time, his role when filling is has clearly left an impression.

Indeed, Arteta is likely happy with the effort Cedric has put in, despite not playing consistently.

The manager has previously hailed the right-back for his professionalism.

Changes could be afoot due to Cedric stay

With Cedric reportedly staying at Arsenal, some players’ roles could be set to change. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin – who can both operate at right-back – are set to return to the club this summer.

Their futures could now be thrown up in the air, as Cedric is likely ahead of at least one of them in the pecking order after this season.

As such, at least one of those players may move on from the club permanently.

However, the Gunners are set for more football next season. They qualified for the Europa League, after having not played European football this season.

As such, having more depth in the position might not be a bad thing, with a more packed schedule. What’s more, with the Premier League now allowing five substitutes, having more options could be helpful to Arsenal.

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