Everton considered signing Cedric Soares on transfer deadline day.
That’s according to ESPN journalist James Olley, who reported that the Toffees expressed interest in the Arsenal defender this week.
Cedric was an ever-present figure in Southampton’s defence before his success on the south coast earned him a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The full-back joined Arsenal on a free transfer after a brief loan spell and unsurprisingly failed to establish himself as a regular under Mikel Arteta, despite making 25 appearances during the 2021-22 season.
Ben White’s excellent form on the right side of the backline last season limited Cedric to only two appearances in the Premier League before he joined Fulham on loan in January.
The Portugal international struggled to force his way off the bench once again, featuring in only six games in the second half of the top flight season.
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Cedric now only has a year left on his contract at Arsenal and could have been expected to leave this summer if the Gunners wanted to make a profit on his exit.
However, Everton’s interest failed to materialise on deadline day and he currently remains in the English capital.
Should Everton have tried to sign Cedric?
Sean Dyche’s side had already added Ashley Young to his defence, though Seamus Coleman’s long-term injury still leaves them a little light on the right.
Cedric could have been a solid option to provide some depth for the Toffees, though his reported £75,000-a-week wages might have put the Merseyside club off his signature.
Olley also claimed that Olympiacos showed interest in signing the ‘important’ 32-year-old and could still pursue a deal, with the Greek transfer window not closing until September 11.
Everton took a huge risk not strengthening their defence any further after a horrific start to the campaign for the backline. An injury to James Tarkowski or Jarrad Branthwaite could spell disaster for Dyche’s side.