Arsenal defender Cedric Soares attracting January transfer interest amid last-chance exit

Arsenal defenderCedric Soares is wanted by Turkish side Besiktas this January transfer window, football.london understands.

The 32-year-old has found regular game time under Mikel Arteta hard to come by this season after returning to the Emirates Stadium in the summer. Cedric spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham but has continued to be behind Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Cedric was expected to leave the Gunners in the summer transfer window after attracting interest from La Liga outfit Villarreal and Portugal's big three clubs.

However, he stayed at the club but has managed only two appearances this season — yet he's still without a single outing in the Premier League. His only start of the campaign came in the final Champions League group game with PSV Eindhoven.

With his current contract due to expire in the summer, football.london understands Besiktas are keeping tabs on the Portuguese situation at Arsenal. However, as was the case prior to the window opening, it's not clear if the Gunners will accept any offer for Cedric given the lack of defensive depth.

Jurrien Timber has been out since the first day of the season and Tomiyasu is unavailable for selection for the next month as a result of the AFC Asian Cup.

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However, a deal would free up money on the wage bill for Arsenal, with the former Southampton man estimated to be earning around £100,000-per-week. Should he leave, the north Londoners may turn to one of their defensive targets this month.

Sporting CP pair Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Ignacio have both been linked, as has Ajax prodigy Jorrell Hato.