According to the Daily Mail, Benfica defender Nuno Tavares has rejected a move to Real Sociedad in favour of joining Arsenal instead.
The Gunners are looking for a new left back this summer given that Sead Kolasinac is expected to move on.
Kieran Tierney is a quality player, but has endured a number of injury problems over the years, so finding another left back had to be a priority for Edu.
Tavares rejects Sociedad for Arsenal
Arsenal have been expected to tie up a deal for Tavares over the last week, with A Bola reporting on Thursday that the left back had said his goodbyes at Benfica ahead of his £8.6million switch.
It’s now claimed that Real Sociedad make a last-minute attempt to hijack the move, remarkably offered a more lucrative deal than the one Arsenal have put forward.
That hasn’t been enough to sway Tavares though, and he will still sign for Arsenal in the coming days.
Tavares to kickstart summer business
This looks like a cheap punt for Arsenal; Tavares is very quick but also very raw. He needs some coaching up, but he isn’t breaking the bank and will only be cover for Tierney.
Once Tavares is done, we are likely to see Arsenal push for more signings, with Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga also wanted.
Add in another goalkeeper, a right back, another midfielder and possibly a striker, and this could prove to be a very busy window for Edu and co.
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