Arsenal 'hoping to seal Cedric Soares deal before deadline'

Arsenal are reportedly confident of sealing a loan deal for Southampton full-back Cedric Soares before the transfer window shuts at 11pm tonight.

The 28-year-old, who is out of contract at St Mary's at the end of the season, has been earmarked by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta as competition for Hector Bellerin at right-back, although he can also fill in at left-back if required.

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal agreed a £1m loan fee for the Portuguese with the Saints yesterday, as well as committing to covering his £65,000-a-week wages in full.

Soares has now been given permission to talk to the London side to agree personal terms and undergo his medical before the deal is finalised.

Should he impress for the remainder of the campaign, it is expected that Arsenal will go on to offer him a long-term deal when his Southampton contract expires this summer.