Following the news that Cedric Soares will leave Arsenal after the season, it’s becoming increasingly clear where Mikel Arteta needs to strengthen.
Realistically Cedric was never going to be offered a new contract, Arsenal’s project has moved beyond him now.
Mikel Arteta is making progress every single year at the Emirates, and Cedric’s departure, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano today, does feel like another small turning point.
Arteta has now built a squad entirely in his image, and although Cedric was one of his signings, he represented a quick fix whilst the club were trying to transition with minimal damage.
That being said, there is still work to be done in order for Arteta to craft the ‘perfect’ squad.
And amid the news that Gabriel Magalhaes has picked up a minor injury, hopefully one that won’t see him miss any Arsenal games, it is clear that the club are still one or two short at the back.
William Saliba’s injury this time last year completely derailed Arsenal’s title hopes, and whilst the club is better prepared for that scenario now, they can still go one better.
Arsenal need to sign Jorrel Hato following news that Cedric Soares is leaving this season
Ajax’s 18-year-old defender Jorrel Hato now seems like the perfect signing for Arsenal this summer.
Although Ben White can comfortably play as a right centre-back, Arteta would be better off recruiting another central player who can be Saliba’s understudy, allowing the Frenchman more of a rest.
And Hato seems like the perfect profile to do that.
The defender has proved his ‘powerful’ attributes for Ajax this season, defying all precedent when wearing the captain’s armband at 17-years-old earlier this season.
He’s a special talent, and someone that Arsenal should definitely be seeking to bring to north London.
Cedric’s departure means there will be a fresh spot at Arsenal next season, and further wriggle room in the wage bill too.
Like his old clubmate, Jurrien Timber, Hato is extremely versatile across the back line, allaying fears that an Arsenal move would stunt his progress.
The youngster should be able to play plenty of games across the season, and would definitely contribute to the club’s success.
That being said, it seems Arsenal may already have some lofty transfer plans elsewhere.