Arsenal are close to completing the signing of Benfica starlet Nuno Tavares who had been linked with Lazio and Napoli.

According to Sky Sport Italia correspondent Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have ‘an agreement in principle’ for the transfer of the 21-year-old who has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League giants.

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Arsenal will complete the signing of the versatile full-back paying €8m plus add-ons.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli could have offered as much as €12m to secure the services of the U21 Portugal international who won’t move to Serie A, but will play in the Premier League instead.

Lazio had also been linked with making a move for the versatile defender as new Biancocelesti coach Maurizio Sarri needs at least two new full-backs to use a four-man defence next season.

Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri is Napoli’s No.1 alternative at left-back now that Nuno Tavares is on his way to North London.

However, the Blues reportedly want between €12m and €15m to sell the Italy international.