Benfica defender Nuno Tavares could be an Arsenal player by the end of today with A Bola reporting the Portugal U21 international is on the verge of a £9 million move to the Premier League.
While a newly minted Gunners side appears to be closing in on the signings of Brighton defender Ben White and Anderlecht captain Sambi Lokonga, it seems the first new face through the door this summer will be a talented young left-back expected to ease the burden on the influential yet injury-prone Kieran Tierney.
On Tuesday, ESPN reported 21-year-old Tavares was keen on a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal overtaking Southampton in the race for his signature.
And, according to claims coming out of Portugal this morning, the Benfica youngster could be pulling on that red-and-white kit for the first time within the next 24 hours or so.
Benfica’s Nuno Tavares could join Arsenal today
A Bola believes Benfica have accepted a deal worth about £9 million, with Arsenal expected to pay £7 million up front.
Tavares, who has agreed a five-year deal at the Emirates, will apparently treble his wages too and could head to London for medical checks within the next few hours.
Attack-minded and energetic, Tavares would provide a measure of competition at left-back – opening the door for Sead Kolasinac to leave for good – while giving Arteta some much-needed cover on the right-hand side.
The Lisbon-born flyer can play on both flanks, although it’s on the left where he made the majority of his 14 Primeira Liga appearances in 2020/21.
Newcastle United were also reported to be interested, having made a £14 million bid for Tavares in 2019. As it stands, however, it would be a major surprise if the Iberian didn’t join Arsenal.
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