ARSENAL fans are saying goodbye to Mikel Arteta's second-ever signing after it was revealed he would be leaving the club.
Cedric Soares joined in January 2020 in an initial loan deal with Southampton.
The 32-year-old made the move to the Gunners permanent in the summer of that year after impressing at the Emirates.
He was the second player to join the club after Arteta was appointed as manager.
He followed Maty Ryan through the door as the Australian goalkeeper joined from Brighton and Hove Albion.
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However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the right-back's time at the club is coming to an end.
The reporter claims that his contract will not be extended past the end of the current season.
Fans have taken to social media to wish the defender well.
One fan posted: "Accepting this bad news with a heavy heart."
A second wrote: "A model professional and a celebration specialist. I will never forget you, Cedric."
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A third commented: "Farewell Prince."
A fourth said: "A top guy for the club, never complained even when he didn't play."
Another added: "He was a loyal servant, the fans will remember him as one of the Arsenal faithful. Good luck Cedric."
The report adds that Cedric will have "many clubs in Europe" considering him as a "top option" for a summer move.
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He first arrived in England in 2015 when he was signed by the Saints from Sporting Lisbon.
He went on to make 167 in the Premier League during spells on the South Coast as well as at Arsenal and Fulham.
