Arsenal star Cedric Soares is out of contract at the end of the season, and it has now been confirmed what the next step is for the defender.
Cedric has almost been forgotten this season, appearing just six times across all competitions, and is a fringe player for Mikel Arteta.
The 32-year-old reportedly turned down offers from Benfica and Galatasaray in the January transfer window to remain at the club, and whilst his professionalism has been commended, he has little to offer on the pitch now, and will depart at the end of the campaign.
Cedric Soares will leave Arsenal at the end of the season
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed on X that the club and Cedric have both decided to part ways at the end of the season when his contract expires.
“Cedric Soares will leave Arsenal as free agent in the summer, decision made,” he posted.
“Portuguese RB remains fully committed to the club until June as top professional then he will leave.
“Many clubs in Europe, considering Cédric as top option for the summer on free transfer.”
What role will Cedric have at Arsenal for the rest of the season?
Arsenal’s recent run of incredible form in the Premier League actually saw an increase in game time for Cedric.
With Arteta’s side killing off games quickly within the first half, Arsenal were able to make substitutions to allow their key stars extra rest.
Ben White has been carrying an injury for most of the season, but has been starting every week due to other absences. In recent big victories, Cedric has come on to replace him in the second half with the game already won.
However, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are now back in training, and once the pair return, it seems unlikely that Cedric will even make the bench on matchday.
The EURO winner has plenty of experience which can be useful in the dressing room, but it now seems that, barring unexpected injuries, he has played his last game for Arsenal.
Many were surprised that Cedric was chosen ahead of talents such as Emile Smith Rowe in recent weeks, as a substitute, but the logic was that White needed extra rest, and Cedric was the only senior defender on the bench at times.