NUNO TAVARES should complete a £7million move from Benfica today as the first arrival in Arsenal’s summer shake-up.
The Portugal Under-21 star is tipped to end the Gunners’ search for left-back cover, with paperwork confirming the “done deal” expected to be signed within hours.
Scotland ace Kieran Tierney has just penned a new long-term deal to reward his outstanding 2020-21 Premier League season.
But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been chasing defensive back-up down that flank, as England’s Euro 2020 hero Bukayo Saka is being used further forward and Ainsley Maitland-Miles is also more attack-minded.
And for a fee of 8million euros plus add-ons, 21-year-old Tavares would be the type of investment Arteta prefers as he builds for the future.
Respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Wednesday the move was a “done deal”.
He added: “Paperwork to be signed today between #AFC and Benfica board.”
Romano claimed Arsenal’s interest was first aroused when Benfica opened talks with Matteo Guendouzi.
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But the France U-21 midfielder now wants to join Marseille, while his Gunners’ team-mate Granit Xhaka is close to a Roma switch.
Arteta’s biggest transfer discussions, though, seem certain to involve Brighton centre-back Ben White.
Having reportedly seen bids of £40m and £42m rejected, Arsenal might need to pay out around £50m to secure the 23-year-old.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
