Arsenal closing in on Cedric

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Sporting defender Cedric, according to the Metro.

The North London club are set to make signing a defender their priority when the transfer window reopens in January, and have identified the Portugal international as their top target.

The 23 year old is rated as one of Europe’s best full-backs, having racked up almost fifty first team appearances for the Portuguese giants, while in 2011/12, he enjoyed a season long loan with Academia.

The Gunners brought in Mathieu Debuchy in the close season, though he is set to remain on the side-lines until late December, with fellow summer arrival Calum Chambers currently deputising despite largely being seen as a centre back.

Arsene Wenger’s side host bottom-of-the-table Burnely on Saturday afternoon, and are priced at 1/4 to get the three points that could see them move back into the top four of the table.