Fulham agree deal for Arsenal defender with knock-on effects

Fulham have agreed a deal with Arsenal over full-back Cedric Soares, 90min understands.

It would mean Cedric linking up with fellow countryman Marco Silva at Craven Cottage and playing for his third Premier League club after initially moving to England with Southampton in 2015.

The proposed deal is a loan until the end of the season, but it will require some reshuffling in the Fulham squad in order to stay within the maximum number of permitted domestic loans.

Premier League rules dictate that clubs may not have more than two players on loan from another Premier League or English side at any one time.

As things stand, Fulham currently have centre-back Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton and winger Daniel James on loan from Leeds.

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The loans that the Cottagers have for Layvin Kurzawa from Paris Saint-Germain and Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk are not included in that.

The expected arrival of Cedric from Arsenal on a temporary deal should see Duffy’s status at Craven Cottage become permanent. If that transfer cannot be agreed, 90min understands it will likely mean that James’ loan from Leeds is ended prematurely and he returns to Elland Road.

Cedric has spent most of the season on Arsenal’s bench and has only played 119 minutes in all competitions.