ARSENAL are reportedly desperate to offload Cedric Soares this month.
But his huge wage demands are putting Fulham off from making a transfer swoop.
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Cedric, 31, has been at Arsenal for three years after an initial loan move from Southampton.
But he has made just two Premier League appearances this term.
And Mikel Arteta is keen to get Cedric off the wage bill so he can bring in new faces for Arsenal’s title charge.
The right-back, whose last of his 34 caps for Portugal came in 2021, currently earns £65,000-a-week at the Emirates.
Fulham are known to be extremely interested in a swoop, with compatriot Marco Silva guiding his side to seventh after yesterday’s 1-0 win at Leicester.
But the Cottagers are operating on a lighter budget just six months after winning promotion back to the top flight.
And the Standard claims they cannot afford to meet Cedric’s wages for either a loan or a permanent move.
The defender’s Arsenal deal does not expire until 2024.
But all parties hope to find a resolution quickly, with Fulham eager to sign him Cedric and Arsenal desperate to get rid.
Should he join the Cottagers, Cedric would likely slot straight into the team at right-back.
Summer signing Kevin Mbabu has failed to impress at Craven Cottage so far this season.
And current first-choice Kenny Tete has suffered a long-term injury.