Edu on the specific qualities new signing Cedric will bring to Arsenal

The 28-year-old Portuguese international joins initially on a six-month loan

Arsenal unveil new signing Cedric Soares (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal technical director Edu believes Cedric Soares will bring “full commitment and energy” after completing his move from Southampton.

The 28-year-old Portuguese international joins initially on a six-month loan before it is understood the move will be made permanent.

He joins Pablo Mari as January arrivals for the Gunners as new manager Mikel Arteta re-shapes his squad.

Edu is pleased to get the deal over the line for a player who brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience.

“Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at international level,” he said.

“He is another strong addition to our defensive unit who will provide our squad with quality. I know he is a player who plays with absolute full commitment and energy.

“We are all looking forward to going into the last stages of the season with Cedric as part of the club.”

Soares himself is delighted to make a move he could've made "a few years ago".

"It has been a while, to be fair," he said. "We were close a few years ago, so it's not the first time. It didn't happen that time but now thank God it came true. I'm super happy.

"Obviously it was important for me in my career to come here. Southampton gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League but obviously it's amazing this step, to come here and play for Arsenal.

"To be able to reach this point is unbelievable.

"One hundred per cent that I will give all my best every day and every game. I try to be a guy with energy, a player that goes up and down. I like to consider myself a team player and yes, what can I say? It's difficult when you need to talk about yourself! But again, I will give my 100 per cent for the team and for the fans."