Report: Arsenal near deals for Benfica's Taveres, Anderlecht's Lokonga
Arsenal are set to refresh Mikel Arteta's ranks with a pair of signings from abroad.
The Gunners have reached terms with Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares and are close to completing a move for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.
Tavares reportedly joins Arsenal for an initial £6.9-million fee, and the Portuguese Under-21 international is expected to back up Kieran Tierney at left-back.
The 21-year-old can also play at right-back and has made just 30 appearances for Benfica's first team, including against Arsenal during the latter stages of a Europa League last-32 clash last season.
Arsenal's discussions with Benfica reportedly included a potential swap involving midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who spent last season on loan with Hertha Berlin following a falling out with Arteta. But Guendouzi appears set to return to his homeland to enlist with Marseille.
Lokonga, 21, is nearing a €17.5-million move to the Emirates Stadium once the two parties work out contractual details including a sell-on fee. He excels as a pivot or on the right side of a midfield trio and is an astute ball-stopper, recording nearly two interceptions per match last season in the Belgian top flight.
The Belgian Under-21 international also donned the captain's armband last season under Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany.