As per a report from Portuguese outlet Journal de Notices, Arsenal are set to sign Benfica defender Nuno Tavares.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a left-back to act as a backup for Kieran Tierney. The 21-year-old is an intelligent and pacey player who can also slot in at right-back if needed.
Journal de Notices claim that talks between the north Londoners and the Portuguese giants have progressed rapidly and an agreement is in place. They are set to sign Tavares on a five-year deal.
The report also states that Arsenal have beaten the likes of Napoli and Southampton to sort out a deal. This was further confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano who tweeted about the Portuguese defender.
Romano said:
“Arsenal are in direct contact with Nuno Tavares agents. Player priority is joining #AFC as he dreams of Premier League future, personal terms won’t be an issue – it’s up to Arsenal.”
Arsenal are in direct contact with Nuno Tavares agents. Player priority is joining #AFC as he dreams of Premier League future, personal terms won’t be an issue – it’s up to Arsenal. ⚪️🔴
Lokonga has same priority: he’s not considering Serie A bids until Arsenal are in the race. https://t.co/m8S3FwY4h9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2021
Arsenal Fever View
Not having someone as cover for Tierney proved to be a big problem for the Gunners last season. It affected them at a critical point and played a part in their Europa League semifinal exit.
After being linked with other left-backs, the club seems to have settled on an exciting candidate. Tavares hasn’t had many chances at Benfica due to the presence of the more experienced Alejandro Grimaldo.
But whenever the defender has played, he has shown skill and maturity beyond his years and that is a good sign. As for the Gunners, there are two advantages in bringing in the youngster to the Emirates.
The first would be that they are taking care of an issue that was to be addressed and secondly if the move does not work out, the youngster can be sold for a good fee owing to his age. Arsenal have failed to wrap up any deals so far and it appears that Tavares could be the first move. Getting a talented backup is smart thinking from the Gunners and hopefully, it can extend to other areas of the squad as well.
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