Arsenal boss Arteta makes transfer declaration

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta expects “some new faces” in the squad on the club’s tour to Florida next week. Arsenal are closing in on the signings of Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga and Brighton defender Ben White.

Leftback Nuno Tavares joined from Benfica earlier in the window and made his first appearance for the club in the 2-2 friendly draw at Rangers yesterday.

Arsenal came from behind twice to draw at Ibrox thanks to goals from new signing Tavares and Eddie Nketiah.

The Gunners lost 2-1 to Hibernian in their first match of their mini tour of Scotland.

Arsenal will now travel to Florida in the next few days, playing Inter Milan in the Florida Cup on July 25 before facing either Everton or Millonarios on July 28.

Speaking after the Rangers clash, Arteta outlined the club’s plans and clearly hinted further new signings could be on the way soon.

Arteta told the official Arsenal website: “Now a little bit of recovery.

“We trained really hard, played two games, and now we’re going to be travelling to America in the next week.

“We didn’t have any injuries which is really positive in the first week.

“We’re going to have some new faces arriving probably, so very positive.”

Arsenal have agreed a £50 million (RM290m) fee with Brighton to sign England defender White.

White is on holiday currently so it looks unlikely he will be travelling to USA, with a medical set to take place around July 26.

Sambi Lokonga could well be on the plane, with the signing announcement only delayed due to the club’s training ground shutting down after a number of positive Covid cases.

Arsenal are also in the market for a goalkeeper, with England duo Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone both targets.

Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli is also on the club’s radar, with Granit Xhaka likely to leave for Roma.

Meanwhile, Arteta was impressed with the first sighting of Tavares in an Arsenal shirt yesterday.

Tavares took his goal calmly with his weak foot to equalise in the first half.

“A great debut with his right foot as well!” Arteta reflected.

“He’s only been with us a few days but you can already see his qualities, his physicality and then the quality on the ball that he has.

“He’s integrating with the lads really well, so it’s a good start.” – Express Newspapers