Club legend savages two Arsenal stars; would sell them both
Tony Adams feels Arsenal will need to make some big decisions in the summer transfer window and possibly sell two members of their defence.
It has been a season of two halves for the Gunners in 2020-2021. From flirting with the relegation zone in mid December they have rallied to 10th.
But it has been far from a vintage campaign in north London. And one area of the pitch in particular appears to be causing concern for a club legend.
Adams, who made 672 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, is not happy with their right-back options. Hector Bellerin has started 22 of the Gunners’ 26 top-flight games.
Cedric Soares has tended to fill in when the Spain international has been absent. The Portugal international has also covered for Kieran Tierney on the left side of the rearguard.
Manager Mikel Arteta seems to favour Bellerin but he has still been linked with a summer exit. Paris Saint Germain have been mentioned as a possible destination for the 25-year-old.
Adams would not mind if he or his team-mate left at the end of the campaign. And the 54-year-old has questioned whether the permanent signing of Cedric in June 2020 actually improved the squad.
“If you’re bringing players in who are a lesser standard – you don’t get someone that’s less than what you’ve got,” he told Stadium Astro. “Cedric, is he better than Bellerin? Have you made an improvement there? Take it or leave it.”
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Arteta has been urged to improve his defence in the off-season and Adams would use the break to clear the decks.
“Or are you telling me we need two? Get rid of two and get a good one! That would be the opinion that I would have,” he added. “You always bring in players better than the ones you have got or don’t bring them to the club.”
Cedric exit a sticking point
Soares has made just 13 league appearances since arriving, initially on loan, in 2020. But the former Southampton stopper was handed a four-year permanent deal last summer.
That was a vote of confidence by the Emirates outfit but he has yet to deliver. His lengthy contract may be a stumbling block to any future transfer.
The former Sporting star will turn 30 in August. And, while not pensionable age just yet, he is unlikely to make any dramatic improvements over the rest of his career.
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