Arsenal look set to sign Benfica defender Nuno Tavares to bolster their options at left back behind Kieran Tierney.
Tierney is an exceptional player and just signed a new contract, but he has struggled with injuries in the past, so having competent backup is vital.
Sead Kolasinac looks to be on his way, and whilst a number of options have been linked, it’s Tavares who looks likely to join.
Tavares to Arsenal draws closer
A Bola have reported an update on the situation today, claiming that Tavares has said his goodbyes at Benfica ahead of joining Arsenal.
It’s added that Tavares will travel to London today for his medical, with Benfica agreeing to sell after Arsenal offered €8million plus €2million in bonuses (£6.88million plus £1.72million).
Benfica allegedly feel the conditions for the bonuses are realistically attainable, and agreed to rush through the move yesterday so the deal could be added to the accounts for 2020/21 rather than 2021/22.
Tavares worth a punt for Arsenal
Tavares is only 21, and whilst Benfica fans are laughing at Arsenal for this deal, this seems like a calculated punt from the Gunners.
He has great athletic ability with the speed to get up and down the left flank, but he may need some coaching as a defender; at the moment, he plays more like a wing back than a full back.
At just £8.6million though, Arsenal won’t be losing much if this doesn’t work out, especially with first-choice left back Tierney signed up for years to come.
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