Arsenal are reportedly set to make their first signing of the summer with Nuno Tavares arriving from Benfica.
The Gunners have done well to get a young, exciting left-back as a backup for Kieran Tierney. It solves an important problem in the squad and will strengthen the defence, but what will the Portuguese defender bring to the Emirates?
Tavares primarily plays on the left flank, but can also pitch in as a right-back. This versatility makes him a useful option to have in the squad. And more importantly, it allows Mikel Arteta to play multiple formations.
One of them would be the 3-4-3 that the north Londoners have used on many occasions. This was the base from which they were able to beat both Manchester City and Chelsea en route to winning the 2019/20 FA Cup.
The advantage of having the 21-year-old is that it would allow Arteta to use Tierney as an overlapping center-back. With Tavares slotting in as a wing-back, it opens up a different option for the Emirates club.
Then, of course, the primary reason behind signing the youngster is to reduce their dependency on Tierney if the Scotland international needs a rest or gets injured by any chance, the club has a deputy waiting in the ranks.
Nuno Tavares has the pace and energy to provide Arsenal with some width and the Portuguese youngster is also an excellent crosser which will surely lead to more chances. This was evident last season in the Europa League when Benfica and the north Londoners faced off.
The full-back’s pinpoint crosses very nearly eliminated the north London club. Arteta will be happy having someone who can reduce the workload on their first-choice left-back. Not having a backup, cost the team dearly and played a huge part in them getting knocked out of the Europa League last season.
Arsenal have pulled off a great deal with the signing of Tavares as they are getting a player who is cheap and has room to improve. If this is a precursor of what is to come this summer, it is going to be a great transfer window for the north Londoners.
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