Forgotten Arsenal star in line to start season opener against Brentford

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has impressed Mikel Arteta and his backroom staff during pre-season, making the Portuguese an unlikely favourite to start the season as the Gunners’ first choice right-back.

Soares was used sparingly last term and when he was it was as an unorthodox left-back, as opposed to his preferred slot on the right.

However, the former Southampton ace is said to have impressed Arteta and his backroom staff with his fitness levels and dedication during pre-season.

Football.London claim it’s made Soares favourite to start the season at right-back ahead of Hector Bellerin.

There continues to be speculation over Bellerin’s future at the club, with Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan Atletico Madrid reportedly interested in signing the Spaniard.

Bellerin is keen on leaving Arsenal after a decade at the club but the Gunners won’t sell on the cheap and are looking to raise as much as £25m from his sale.

The right-back is said to favour a move to Italy, with Inter searching for a replacement for Achraf Hakimi.

Kieran Trippier, Atletico’s first choice right-back, is a target for Manchester United but the Spaniards want around £30m for the England international.

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