According to the London Evening Standard, Benfica defender Nuno Tavares could make his Arsenal debut against Hibernian or Rangers next week.
The Gunners have been pursuing Tavares over the last week, and A Bola claim that the left back has already said his goodbyes to Benfica.
The Daily Mail even claim that Tavares has rejected a last-gasp hijack attempt from Real Sociedad because he wants to sign for Arsenal.
Tavares could play for Arsenal next week
It’s now stated that Tavares is currently quarantining in England ahead of finalising his £8.5million move to Arsenal.
The deal should be finalised this week, and Arsenal now hope to have Tavares in their travelling party to Scotland next week.
Arsenal face Hibernian next Tuesday and Rangers next Saturday, with the Gunners now planning to have Tavares available for those games.
The 21-year-old could therefore make his Arsenal debut very soon, and the speedy left back will be hoping to make a strong first impression.
Great timing for Arsenal
This move comes at a great time for Arsenal because Kieran Tierney is expected to take an extended break after playing for Scotland at Euro 2020.
He’s therefore unlikely to face Hibernian or Rangers, and Tavares will now be able to feature at left back and begin to mesh with his new teammates immediately.
By getting Tavares in early and giving him a full pre-season schedule, they can get the Portuguese talent up to speed without having to rush Tierney back before he’s ready.
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