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Fulham want Hector Bellerin if Cedric Soares stays at Arsenal

Jordan Harris

Thu 19 January 2023 19:15, UK

Hector Bellerin may be offered the chance to return to the Premier League during the January transfer window, with that Fulham want the Spaniard should they miss out on signing Cedric Soares from Arsenal.

Cedric has been heavily linked with making the move from the Emirates to Craven Cottage this month. Reports from last month suggested that a deal was close with Marco Silva desperate to land his countryman.

However, we are approaching the final third of the window. And yet, Cedric remains in the Arsenal ranks.

Fulham eye Bellerin if they fail to sign Cedric from Arsenal

reports that the 31-year-old remains the top target for the Cottagers. But they have another name in mind – and he is also someone Arsenal fans know very well.

According to the report, Fulham have shown interest in signing Bellerin. The 27-year-old has had a tough time since joining Barcelona from Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer. He has only made a handful of appearances for the Catalan giants.

Barca are ready to let the defender leave in this window. And while his preference would be to return to Real Betis, he could attract a bid from Fulham if they fail to land Cedric.

Arsenal have certainly been vindicated in the decision to let Bellerin leave. There was a time when he looked to be one of the most exciting defenders in Europe. However, he was just unable to kick on from that point.

You get the feeling that Mikel Arteta would be happy for Cedric to stay. Obviously, he will not be content with his game-time this season. But he is an important member of the squad. And Arsenal will be wary of losing any senior figures within the ranks midway through this season.

If he does stay put, it would appear that the chances of Bellerin making a swift return to the Premier League could increase.