Arsenal have announced the arrival of Southampton right-back Cedric Soares on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta has completed his second signing as Arsenal manager in the space of a few days, as he looks to solve the club's defensive troubles.
Arsenal confirmed Pablo Mari's temporary arrival from Brazilian club Flamengo on Wednesday and have now prised Cedric away from Southampton.
The Gunners, who will now push Ainsley Maitland-Niles further up the pitch to his natural position, have an option to make Cedric's switch permanent for £5m in the summer.
Soares was once considered one of the best right-backs in the Premier League but his reputation has diminished significantly in recent years.
The Portugal international endured a failed loan stint with Inter during the second half of last season before returning to Saints in the summer.
Southampton have already secured Cedric's replacement after signing Kyle Walker-Peters on loan from Tottenham.
Cedric, who is currently injured, has started 16 times in the league this season but has returned just one assist.
Since joining Southampton in the summer of 2015, Southampton have a better win ratio when Soares has not started (35.6%) compared to when he has featured from the off in the Premier League (29.1%).
