Arsenal have completed their first signing of the summer, confirming the arrival of defender Nuno Tavares for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old has agreed a long-term deal with the Gunners.
Nuno Tavares Joins Arsenal
Competition for Kieran Tierney
Tavares will provide competition for current left-back Kieran Tierney as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad.
The Scotsman was hampered by injury on several occasions last season, meaning Arsenal had to play Cedric Soares to play out lf position at left-back.
As a result, Arteta has looked to solve that issue by signing Tavares.
Although not a first-team regular, the 21-year-old impressed after establishing himself in the first-team squad at Benfica.
The youngster was given his first appearance in the first-team during the 2019/20, as they defeating Sporting Lisbon 5-0 in the Portuguese equivalent of the Community Shield. He then registered his first goal for the club in a rout against Pacos de Ferreira.
Tavares made a total of 25 appearances for Benfica.
What Was Said?
Speaking about their first signing first signing of the summer to the club website, Arsenal technical director, Edu, said: “Nuno is a talented young player who was wanted by a number of clubs across Europe.
“He will provide strong back-up in the left-back position. We look forward to him growing and developing with us and becoming an important member of the first-team squad.”
Meaning, Arteta highlighted the potential of the 21-year-old.
“We welcome Nuno to the club,” he said.
“He is a young player with great promise who has developed very well with Benfica in recent seasons and has also shown his quality by being part of Portugal U21s.
“Nuno’s arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch.
“We look forward to Nuno’s arrival soon, his integration into the Arsenal family and playing in front of our fantastic supporters.”
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