Cedric Soares: Arsenal complete signing of Southampton defender on loan

Portuguese right-back arrives as cover for Hector Bellerin

Arsenal signed Southampton defender Cedric Soares (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have completed the signing of Southampton defender Cedric Soares on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old right-back, whose contract with the Saints expires in the summer, joins for a loan fee understood to be in the region of £1m.

“We were close a few years ago,” Soares said. “It didn’t happen that time but now thank God it came true. I’m super happy. It’s amazing this step, to come here and play for Arsenal. To be able to reach this point is unbelievable.”

Soares made 138 appearances for Southampton in total after joining the club in 2015, while also spending six months on loan at Inter Milan last season.

Arsenal technical director Edu said: “Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at international level. He is another strong addition to our defensive unit who will provide our squad with quality. I know he is a player who plays with absolute full commitment and energy.

“We are all looking forward to going into the last stages of the season with Cedric as part of the club.”