Manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar are in desperate need of a left-back to provide the cover for Kieran Tierney who has a long history of injuries.
Ryan Bertrand, Josh Doig and even Patrick van Aanholt were getting linked to the Gunners. However, it seems like they have made SL Benfica youngster Nuno Tavares their main priority for the left-back position this summer.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have already proven their interest by meeting Tavares’ agent to hold talks regarding his future. Benfica are looking for a fee of around £13m for the 21-year-old.
Tavares, as a full-back, likes to bomb forward and spray crosses for his teammates in the penalty area. He has a great pace and can dribble past opponents at will. His crossing has also improved in the last few years.
Getting Tavares for a minimal fee would mean that the Gunners can invest more money on Anderlecht’s rising star Albert Sambi Lokonga. A lot of pundits in Belgium feel that the 21-year-old is one of the brightest talents to come out of the Anderlecht academy in recent years.
The young Belgian midfielder can be the direct replacement for Granit Xhaka who is leaving the club this summer. The energetic midfielder is known for his tireless work rate and crunching tackles. He is a workhorse who will help the Gunners in keeping the ball and initiating buildups.
