Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Newcastle United star Tino Livramento over a summer transfer, according to Football Transfers.
The Gunners are pushing to secure an unprecedented double in their history as they currently sit top of the Premier League by six points, having played two games more than rivals Man City, while they prepare to battle for a place in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in their semi-final second leg this week.
But the north London side are already taking steps towards strengthening their squad for next season, and full-back is an area they want to bolster.
Arsenal Closing in on Tino Livramento Deal
Tino Livramento during a training session with England
Livramento, who has been described as 'phenomenal', has been a target for Mikel Arteta's side for several windows, but with the Magpies set to miss out on European football next season and the defender entering the final two years of his contract, a move now looks more realistic.
It's understood that the 23-year-old would 'jump at the chance to join Arsenal', and the two camps have now held positive talks over personal terms, with the belief that there would no issues over finding a full agreement at this stage.
Arsenal are expecting to move on Ben White this summer, amid interest from Everton, which would open up a spot at right-back for Livramento to come in and compete with Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera.
But the England international is also capable of playing at left-back, which provides Arteta with the tactical flexibility he is looking for at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal Closing on First Summer Signing
Tino Livramento in action for Newcastle United
If you asked most people associated with Arsenal, the midfield and the attack are areas of the squad that should be strengthened as a priority heading into the summer window.
But if White is to leave, then he will need to be replaced, and there aren't many better than Livramento in the Premier League. He is young and English too, which helps things, but he's also got top-level experience in the Champions League and international level, meaning he should be able to slot in seamlessly.
It would be a real statement of intent if they could secure the deal early on, and it seems as though Andrea Berta is getting his work done early ahead of a busy summer.
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