Arsenal to seal Nuno Tavares & Albert Lokonga double transfer

Nuno Tavares & Albert Lokonga Are Smart Arsenal Business

Are these two signings to be excited about? The only way to answer that is potentially. Neither are going to be regular starters for Arsenal next season and likely both arrive as Tierney and Thomas Partey backup options.

The noises coming out of Belgium are that Lokonga is the real deal. A progressive passer as well as a progressive carrier, Arteta is good friends with both Kompany and Roberto Martinez, hearing nothing but glowing praise on top of already extensive scouting. Throw in Thierry Henry’s adoration and the midfielder arrives on excellent terms.

Depending on how the window pans out, Lokonga could be in line for more appearances that initially expected. Unlikely to partner Partey, when the Ghanaian jets off to AFCON and when domestic cup matches come around, his chance will arrive to impress.

Furthermore, if Arsenal struggle to nail down their preferred midfield targets this window, and sell the likes of Mohamed Elneny, he could be in line for even greater involvement. Partey’s injury record over the past 12 months isn’t great either.

Lokonga is a prospect, but a highly rated one and he will arrive in precisely the age bracket Arsenal have been looking for.

Just like Tavares, the two 21-year-old’s have excellent development potential to add to their already well-documented talent; players in the earlier stages of their careers who can make a long-term contribution.

The Portuguese left-back has an outstanding engine and explosive attacking output but needs nurturing and will require plenty of coaching to improve his weaknesses in defensive positioning. Tactically there will need to be work done and Arteta clearly feels that’s a job he can perform.

Tavares’ arrives with one concern, regarding his attitude. For a manager who has ostracised certain members of his squad who don’t adhere to his non-negotiables, the background noise around Tavares is either blown out of proportion or considered to be manageable.

Having gone from another stop-gap addition in Ryan Bertrand to someone ten years his junior in Tavares, the sudden change in target and the shift away from lazy, simple deals is comforting – even if Bertrand probably would have arrived if he didn’t favour Leicester.

A problem position solved with a young player on a long-term contract for a minimal fee? It’s the stuff of dreams.