In what was a busy day on the rumour front, Arsenal appear to have found a back-up left back and seem to be closing out a deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga, too.

The day started with rumours Arsenal were closing on a deal for Benfica’s Nuno Tavares and, before it was over, it was reported in Portugal that a five-year deal has been agreed with the player. Arsenal and Benfica also have an ‘agreement in principle,’ so it seems like this move is actually going to happen.

As Tavares is only 21, a five-year deal would fit with how Arsenal seem to be doing their contracts these days.

Arsenal are also said to be edging closer to an agreement with Anderlecht over Albert Sambi Lokonga. Richard Garlick has been in regular contact with the Belgian side and Arsenal’s connections with Anderlecht, through Arteta’s friendship with Vincent Kompany and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, have enabled them to learn more about the player’s character and ability according to The Athletic.

Aston Villa have reportedly made a second bid for Emile Smith Rowe almost as ridiculous as the first one. With Arsenal and Smith Rowe in negotiations about a new deal at the club, this whole thing smacks of Smith Rowe’s agent using Aston Villa to get a better deal for his client.

Funnily enough, Bukayo Saka was being linked with a move to Manchester United just a few months before his new deal with Arsenal was agreed.

In terms of actual news, Arsenal finally announced the new women’s head coach, Jonas Eidevall signing from Rosengard. He will be replaced in Sweden by a former Arsenal youngster, more about that in the above link.