Nuno Tavares has revealed the exciting young Arsenal players he is most looking forward to linking up with after sealing his move to the Emirates.
Tavares, 21, has become Mikel Arteta 's first summer signing after joining from Benfica in a deal worth around €8m (£6.8m).
The Portuguese youngster has represented his nation at youth level and made 25 first-team appearances for Benfica.
He is likely to deputise for first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney next season as the Gunners aim to bounce back after an underwhelming campaign.
Arteta is prioritising young talent as he shapes his squad and Tavares picked out two of the Spaniard's most promising stars in Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
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"In the present I like [Smith Rowe], because he is my generation. He's played against us, on the same side - he played on the right, I played on the left - for the selection (youth) team," Tavares said.
"He's a good player, and I see Saka too. Young players, good players. And from the past I like Henry. A very good player, and it's good for me to remember that story."
Smith Rowe, 20, has been subject to intense interest from Aston Villa this summer after his impressive breakthrough campaign at the Emirates.
Saka, meanwhile, has been one of the stars of England 's run to the Euro 2020 final.
The teenager is expected to keep his place in the Three Lions starting lineup for Sunday's Wembley showdown against Italy.
Tavares' arrival is likely just be the start for Arsenal who are set to be proactive in a decisive transfer window.
The Gunners are also pursuing a move for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and are closing in on Anderlecht midfielder Sambi Lokonga.
Boss Arteta is under pressure to succeed after the club missed out on European competition entirely for the first time in 25 years.
But the Spaniard is excited about the impact his first summer signing can make.
"We welcome Nuno to the club," Arteta said.
He is a young player with great promise who has developed very well with Benfica in recent seasons and has also shown his quality by being part of Portugal Under-21s.
"Nuno's arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch.
"We look forward to Nuno's arrival soon, his integration into the Arsenal family and playing in front of our fantastic supporters."
Technical director Edu also revealed the Gunners weren't the only club chasing highly-rated Tavares.
"Nuno is a talented young player who was wanted by a number of clubs across Europe," Edu added.
"He will provide strong back-up in the left-back position. We look forward to him growing and developing with us and becoming an important member of the first-team squad."
