Sometimes, you just have to laugh. I’m sure Cedric Soares will feel the same way, as the Coronavirus pandemic has left the full-back nearing the end of his Arsenal contract without playing a single game for the club. Of course, many Premier League players are signing short-term extensions with their clubs to play the remainder of the season, but Soares is one of them yet to complete this task.

According to Goal, the Portugal international could leave without playing a single game for the Gunners. Of course, he is on loan from Southampton and as we draw closer to the end of the season, the Saints arguably need him more than the Gunners do.

After all, we have Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles that can do a job in this position. One of Soares’ strengths is that he can play on either flank, but he’d have an even harder time making the cut on the left. That said, we as fans should honour his decision should he not wish to sign a contract extenstion.

He certainly wouldn’t go down as an Emirates Stadium legend, that’s for sure. He’ll join the likes of Denis Suarez and Dani Ceballos in being some of the most pointless loan moves ever. If you don’t try, you’ll never succeed, though, so we shouldn’t give the board too much of a hard time for their efforts.

Of course, Soares’ contribution would be greatly appreciated if he does choose to finish the season with Arsenal. The FA Cup final stages would give him a chance to impress the fans, even if it doesn’t result in a permanent move. Judging by his social media. Soares has been hard at work during lockdown, so no matter his decision, he will have a fruitful end to the season. Thanks for being a cult hero, Cedric.

Cover image: Steve Hogg (Solent Creatives), 2017