Arsenal defender on the verge of joining London rivals

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares is reportedly on the cusp of joining Fulham on a short-term loan deal.

The Portuguese has fallen down the pecking order this term. He is currently the third-choice right-back behind Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

As a result, the Gunners are prepared to offload him from their ranks and The Telegraph claim that the Cottagers have won the race for his services.

Soares is set to join the west London outfit on a short-term loan until the end of the campaign. The Cottagers won't have an option to buy him.

The Gunners stand to benefit from the operation as Marco Silva's side have agreed to pay his entire £100,000-a-week wages until June 30.

With Soares' exit, the Gunners could step up their interest in Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda, who is valued at around £13 million.

The north London club will need to convince the 18-year-old to join them ahead of Borussia Dortmund. It is easier said than done.