The Southampton full-back is out of contract in the summer and, if he participates in another four weeks, he could procure a long-term deal with the Gunners. Mikel Arteta has brought him in to offer competition for Héctor Bellerín who has just recently returned to full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has amazed at right-back but it is not his natural position.
Marí is a left-footer and his variety of passing gives the Gunners something they have missed for some time. Cédric shares several traits with Bellerín and the Arsenal backline looks more balanced than it has in some time.
To climb the table, the 1.41 goals they are conceding on a per 90 foundation will need to be addressed. With these signings, the Gunners might have done just that.
Explaining the decision to take Cédric on loan, Arsenal’s technical manager Edu stated: “Cédric is a defender with good expertise of the Premier League, and of course at a global level.
“He’s another strong addition to our defensive unit that will provide our team with quality. I know he’s a player who performs with complete full dedication and energy. We’re all looking forward to going in the final stages of the season with Cédric within the club.”
Cédric was considered among the greatest right-backs from the English top-flight not so long ago. He had been a Manchester United transfer goal for some time whilst Chelsea had him on his radar. But he’s fallen out of favour at St. Mary’s because Ralph Hasenhüttl took over in December 2018.
Last January he left the South Coast on loan, linking Italian giants Internazionale. He returned in the summer after making only a couple of appearances and it was likely he’d leave for good.
But Cédric stayed and fought his back in the starting XI before irking Hasenhüttl by pulling from a match at Tottenham Hotspur through the warm-up — a decision which did not go down well with Hasenhüttl.
For instance, Bellerín’s xA90 typical as the 2014/15 effort is 0.13. So both players have a similar amount of output in terms of chances created for team-mates.
His on-ball ability, defensive nouse, and his persistent running supposed he was an ideal full-back to get a booked Portuguese side.
However, the Kind of Yan Valery eliminated the overreliance that the Saints might have experienced on the Portugal international and Ralph Hasenhüttl has included Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kyle Walker-Peters to his group on loan. With Cédric expected to proceed in the summer anyway, the tactician has expedited the procedure.
It’s a move that is appropriate for all parties involved and even though it is not likely to make the headlines, it might well be a wise piece of business on Arsenal’s part. However, if his injury is a prolonged one, Arsenal would ponder over their choice as to the reason they initially had brought Cedric to London was providing cover to Bellerin.
