Cedric Soares has yet to play for Arsenal since he signed on loan in January. This has mainly been due to injury but it seems like the Gunners rate the defender as it has recently been announced that he has signed a deal at the club.

Arsenal announced today that Cedric has joined on a permanent deal from fellow Premier League side Southampton. Speaking to the club's official website, Gunners technical director Edu said: "Cedric is also going to be an important player. He has been unlucky with the injuries but he is close to being ready and gives us more strength in the right-back position."

The Portuguese international was going to be a free agent in the summer but the Londoners have now secured him on a free transfer.

Even though he hasn't played for the Gunners yet, the 28 year-old is a proven Premier League defender after making 138 appearances for the Saints, per Transfermarkt.

Hector Bellerin is currently the only right-back at the club and has not been playing particularly well since football returned. This has been highlighted by the 6.7 rating he received from SofaScore against Brighton at the weekend, the second lowest among Mikel Arteta's side that day.

This emphasises that a right-back is desperately needed and being able to pick up an experienced player on a free looks a clever deal by the club. Hopefully Cedric can start to challenge Bellerin soon and get some game-time to provide Arsenal with much-needed squad depth in defence.

Gunners fans, what are your thoughts on the permanent signing of Cedric? Comment below with your views!