Arsenal man Cedric Soares Credit: Alamy
Crystal Palace are reportedly in talks to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has started just two league games for the Gunners this season, with Mikel Arteta preferring Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park.
Arsenal may also offload another out-of-favour player, 31-year-old right-back Cedric Soares, who is reportedly being targeted by Fulham.
As mentioned, Lokonga has struggled for minutes this season after falling down the pecking order under Arteta, albeit understandably given the excellent form of his first-choice midfield trio.
The Belgium international’s last appearance for the Premier League leaders came on Friday when he replaced Partey at half-time against Manchester City, where he struggled to make an impact as Arsenal lost 1-0.
The midfielder has played just 195 minutes for the Gunners this season overall, so a loan move to Selhurst Park would give Lokonga more game time as Patrick Vieira looks to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer deadline.
According to the Daily Mail, negotiations are progressing well between the two London clubs and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached.
Arsenal are also closing in on a stunning late move for Chelsea centre-back Jorginhoso if this is as successful as expected, Lokonga would be even less likely to be in Arteta’s plans this season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are also looking to offload another player struggling for minutes in full-back Cedric, who has only featured twice in the Premier League this campaign.
As reported by the Athletic, Fulham are the leading contenders to sign the on-loan defender, with the two clubs still in talks despite suggestions that negotiations had stalled.
Marco Silva is keen to add another right-back to his squad to provide competition for Kenny Tete.
There are, however, major obstacles in the way, with Cedric on a mega salary of £75,000-a-week, while Fulham already have two Premier League players on loan in Dan James and Shane Duffy.
The story continues
The Portugal international is also attracting last-minute interest from another unnamed English club, as well as another in La Liga.
But Marco Silva has already identified a potential alternative if his deal for Cedric falls through.
According to The Athletic, Fulham are also looking to sign FC Twente right-back Joshua Barnet, who has put in some excellent performances this season.
With all that in mind, it looks set to be a very busy deadline day for Arsenal as they look to offload and bring in a number of players before 11pm.
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The article Arsenal set for deadline day exit as Crystal Palace and Fulham step up late interest appeared first on Football365.com.
Source: Arsenal poised for two deadline day departures as Crystal Palace and Fulham ramp up late interest
