The 32-year-old defender has struggled for game time over the past two seasons and was expected to make a move this January transfer window. Turkish side Galatasaray were interested in the Arsenal outcast but the defender decided to stay put at the Emirates.
Soares has been barely used by Mikel Arteta and primarily operated as a squad player and found it challenging to secure regular minutes under the Spaniard.
A number of European clubs are reportedly considering a move for the Arsenal defender this summer who has been limited to only three league appearances this season.
A move away from the Emirates will be best for both parties and it will be interesting to see where Cedric ends up in the summer.
Italian journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the defender will not renew his contract and seek a new challenge elsewhere.
“I wanted to clarify something on players who could leave Arsenal this summer. As I reported yesterday, Cedric Soares is not going to extend his contract at Arsenal – it’s over between the player and the club, and there is not even a conversation to extend his contract. It’s 100% going to be time for them to part ways at the end of this season,” Romano said.
“Turkish clubs, including Besiktas, already wanted Soares in recent months, but he decided to stay. Now he will have multiple options around Europe. Nothing is close at the moment but I’m told Cedric will consider different opportunities in order to make a final choice in the summer, not now.”
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Which other players can leave Arsenal this summer?
Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave the club this summer in search of regular football and will attract widespread interest ahead of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper has barely featured for the Gunners as summer loanee David Raya has usurped his place to become Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper. Arsenal will trigger the buy option clause in Raya’s contract and make the move permanent.
Chelsea and Newcastle United are long-term admirers of the Englishman, with Bayern Munich reportedly seeking a long-term successor for club legend Manuel Neuer.