Report details two players Arsenal considered before sanctioning £8m deal

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Arsenal are close to signing Benfica left-back, Nuno Tavares, but considered two defenders from the Premier League before moving for him.

Tavares has quickly emerged as a target for Arsenal over the last 24 hours.

As reported on TBR today, it’s believed he is close to signing a five-year deal with the Gunners. It’s claimed the move will be worth around £8m, something of a bargain in the current market.

But while a deal for Tavares edges ever closer, The Athletic have reported that both Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt were considered by the Gunners prior to the Tavares deal.

The experienced PL duo were said to both be of interest to Mikel Arteta. But the recruitment strategy of going for young players this summer seems to have pushed the club to Tavares.

A huge summer overhaul underway

Arsenal are looking like they mean business this summer. While the players they’re signing might not bring immediate success, the club are investing in the future.

Tavares is right up that street as well. Sure, the likes of Bertrand and Van Aanholt would have brought experience. But they’d be short-term options on big money, something Arsenal have been burnt by before.

It seems Edu and Arteta are deadly serious about making their mark. If the last few days are a sign of things to come, then Arsenal fans are in for a treat this summer.