Atletico Madrid are interested in a loan deal for Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares.

The Spanish club are keen on striking an initial loan deal for Soares with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.

It is likely that Arsenal will be reluctant to let Soares leave without a replacement owing to a lack of cover at right-back.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently first choice, but without Soares the Gunners would be short on cover after Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined Roma on loan.

Diego Simeone’s side meanwhile are a right-back short following the sale of Kieran Trippier.

It was announced on Friday that the England international had joined Newcastle for £12m following two-and-a-half-seasons at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Soares has struggled for game-time this season making just four Premier League appearances – only one since the middle of September.

The 30-year-old originally arrived at the Emirates on a six-month loan deal in January 2020.

Despite making just five appearances for them that season, he then signed for them on a permanent transfer at the end of his contract at Southampton.