30 January 2024 , 16:27
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Galatasaray are in talks to sign Arsenal right-back Cedric on a permanent deal.
The 32-year-old, who has less than six months left on his £700,000 per-week contract, has started one game for the Gunners this season - a Champions League dead-rubber against PSV in December. He has made one further appearance from the bench, which came against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Cedric's game time has been severely reduced since the start of last term and now the defender could be on his way out of the Emirates. According to the Evening Standard, Galatasaray are in negotiations with Arsenal to sign Cedric for a 'nominal fee' after losing Sacha Boey to Bayern Munich on Sunday.
The Turkish giants have offered Cedric a two-and-a-half year deal and would be reunited with ex-Portugal boss Fernando Santos if he moves to Rams Park. Galatasaray have until February 9 to complete the deal as the transfer window in Turkey is open for eight days after it closes in the Premier League.
A move to Galatasaray would see Cedric also link up with ex-Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira, while Hakim Ziyech, Tanguy Ndombele and Wilfried Zaha are among the other former Premier League players at the club. Galatasaray are second in the Super Lig table, level on points with leaders Fenerbahce.
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Cedric joined Arsenal on loan from Southampton in January 2020. His move was made permanent in the summer, with the right-back signing a four-year deal. Cedric made 24 appearances in his first full campaign at the Emirates, before becoming a more prominent figure towards the end of the following season.
Galatasaray are in talks to sign Cedric (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Cedric cemented himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta's side as they pushed for a Champions League place. He started 15 of Arsenal's final 17 Premier League matches in the 2021/22 season. Heaping praise on Cedric's professionalism at the time, Arteta said: "It's not a coincidence.
"When you have the professionalism, dedication, habits and, obviously, the experience and qualities Cedric has - and you never give up - then at the end good things happen. He's been patient, he's been keeping quiet, he's been working hard and accepting the situation. And when he’s had the chance, he's done well.
"That's why the national manager has decided to bring him back, which I'm really happy with. The player has to take all the credit - and I think his teammates have to learn a lot about that option. Because when you don’t play, and think you are right, you can take a completely different route."
Cedric made four appearances in all competitions last season and has featured just twice this term. His contract is dwindling down and Galatasaray will be hoping to get a deal done before the transfer window closes.