Mikel Arteta's old comments may reveal why he wants to sign both Fabio Vieira and Youri Tielemans this summer.
The Gunners are closing in on a deal with Porto for young midfielder Fabio Vieira, football.london understands as the north Londoners look to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2016. Still, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are still keen to sign Leicester City playmaker Tielemans.
Arsenal have been tracking the Portugal under-21 international for some time and have now agreed a €40 million (£34 million) deal with Porto whilst the aforementioned Romano has still reported that Tielemans remains the club's 'priority' despite Vieira's imminent arrival at the Emirates Stadium. And looking back to an old interview with Arsenal boss Arteta, it is clear why the Spaniard wants to bring in two players to bolster options in the centre of the park.
