Reputable journalist David Ornstein has revealed that the Gunners are closing in on what would be their second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Pablo Mari on Wednesday.

Arsenal need for a new centre-back became more desperate than ever after Calum Chambers’ knee injury and Mikel Arteta moved to address that by signing Pablo Mari on loan on Wednesday, as confirmed by the club.

With the centre-back problem now taken care of, the Arsenal boss’ next priority will be to find someone who can fill in at full-back if needed, with Hector Bellerin’s fitness often a concern this term while Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney remain out of action.

Thus, David Ornstein is now reporting that the Gunners are chasing the services of Cedric Soares and a deal to sign the defender from Southampton is expected to be completed within 24 hours.

The 28-year-old is capable of playing either as a right or left-back and his versatility will be needed in another injury-hit campaign for Arsenal.

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