NUNO TAVARES snubbed a more lucrative contract from Real Sociedad to sign for Arsenal instead, according to reports.
The 21-year-old jetted in to London on Friday to seal the £7million move from Benfica but could have ended up in Spain after Sociedad’s last-gasp bid.
Left-back Tavares is believed to have agreed a contract until 2026 in North London in a deal worth £7m plus add-ons.
Portuguese agent Cesar Boaventura and UK-based agency Sync Global were vital in ensuring Tavares chose Arsenal instead of Sociedad, according to the Mail.
Despite the LaLiga outfit being willing to cough up more cash, Boaventura is said to have convinced him to stick with Mikel Arteta’s men.
Tavares has been identified to provide competition for Kieren Tierney, with Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka deputising in the Scotsman’s absence during the 2020-21 campaign.
His agent Rafael Santos posted a snap of him on Instagram alongside the defender on Friday before taking off for London.
Gunners fans were quick to track down his flight, with the player to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.
Commenting on the impending move, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Nuno Tavares together with his agents after paperwork signed as new Arsenal player.
“Contract until June 2026, €8m [£7m] plus add-ons to Benfica. Confirmed.”
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Supporters have given their seal of approval to Tavares’ arrival, as one user commented: “Solid 2nd choice left back, good signing.”
Another messaged: “Technically gifted. Good height. Provides decent cover to Tierney. Good in attack which Kolasinac lacked. Overall good replacement to Kolasinac.”
Tavares featured in 25 games in all competitions for Benfica last season, where he chipped in with three assists.
Anderlecht skipper Albert Sambi Lokonga is also believed to be nearing a move to Arsenal to replace outgoing midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
