Fulham close to finally signing defender Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season, but they must first either sign Shane Duffy or Dan James on a permanent deal

Fulham are close to finally signing Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season. 

But the deal is contingent on the club first turning one of their existing loans into a permanent signing, according to The Athletic.

Fulham already have Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton and Dan James on loan from Leeds United.

Fulham set to finalise a deal for Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season

The west London side registered an interest in signing right back Cedric, 31, on loan but negotiations with Arsenal stalled due to his £65k-a-week wage demands, which the Cottagers are reluctant to pay.

However, manager Marco Silva is pushing for the west London club to complete a deal for the Portugal international.

Arsenal were keen to send Cedric out on loan given the fact he has been a surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium this season. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has preferred playing Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu at the back for Arsenal.

Therefore, Cedric has made just one Premier League appearance this season, coming on as a substitute.

While his only start for the Gunners came during their Carabao Cup loss against Brighton in November 2022. 

Therefore, Arsenal were open to shipping Cedric out on loan to Fulham during the January transfer window.

However, the 31-year-old's £65k-a-week wage demands were an issue.