Fulham have finally completed the signing of right-back Cedric Soares from Premier League leaders Arsenal on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 31-year-old made just two Premier League appearances for Arsenal during the first half of the season, with Ben White first choice for Mikel Arteta at right-back and Takehiro Tomiyasu returning from injury to provide competition.

The Cottagers had already pursued a deal for Cedric Soares early in the transfer window and have now completed his arrival on a short-term loan.

“I feel great. I want this deal to happen, so we are all pushing in the same direction, and I am very excited and happy to be here,” Cedric told the club’s official website. “My family and I are very, very happy with this move. It’s a great move and I can’t wait to get started.”

Director Tony Khan added: “I am delighted to welcome Cedric Soares to Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season.

“Cedric has great experience in top flight, in international matches and in the Premier League. I’m delighted we were able to reach an agreement with Arsenal to take him to Fulham, and I’m delighted that Cedric is thriving under the great Marco Silva!

“We are very pleased with the work we have done in this transfer window, and are looking forward to the rest of the season! Come on Fulham!”

Cedric becomes the Cottagers’ 11th signing of the season and their second on Deadline Day, with Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic completing an £8 million move from Torino earlier in the day. Cedric will offer competition for Kenny Tete and summer signing Kevin Mbabu.

Fulham Officially Signs Shane Duffy From Brighton And Hove Albion

Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy has officially joined Fulham on a season-long loan from Brighton.

The 30-year-old, who previously spent the 2020-21 season on loan in Scotland with Celtic, made 27 appearances before returning to the Amex Stadium last season and featuring 20 times for The Seagulls.

“I’m happy it’s finished, it’s a very interesting challenge for me and for the club,” he said on the club’s official website.

“It happened so quickly but I didn’t have time to think about it at all, as soon as they came for me I knew they were right for me.

“I spoke to the manager and both are the same, so I’m very excited.”

The Seagulls head coach believes Duffy will benefit from regular playing time with The Cottagers.

“Shane has been an outstanding servant to this club and is deservedly held in high esteem by everyone here,” he said on Brighton’s website.

“There’s no pressure on him to leave, but usually he wants to play regular football, and while he’s still part of our wider squad, we can’t guarantee that.”

Fulham also completed the signing of Cedric Soares from Arsenal on loan, Cedric is expected to add more quality to The Cottagers in their defense, because the current target for them is to penetrate European competition, be it the Europa League or Conference League.