Arsenal have signed left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica on a five-year contract. The Portugal Under-21 international is the Gunners’ first signing of the transfer window in a deal reportedly worth around $11 million.Welcome to The Arsenal, Nuno Tavares 👋 pic.twitter.com/379qyLXrxG— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 10, 2021 The 21-year-old defender came through the Benfica youth system and has made a total of 25 appearances for the club since making his first-team debut in the Portuguese Super Cup win over Sporting Lisbon in August 2019. Tavares was excited to switch Lisbon for London.”When I finished the season my agent told me that Arsenal were interested in me. In the first instance I was very happy and after this I dreamed about it, and spoke about it with my mum. I was so excited to be here, and now I’m here I’m so happy.I’m so excited because it is a big club and for me as a young guy, it is a pleasure to be here. Mikel Arteta and Edu helped me so much. They speak with me every time, and call me and I feel people want me here. I like that because I need this power and I’m so grateful for this.”It is Arsenal’s turn – after Manchester City and Tottenham, Gunners are next in ‘All or Nothing’ Amazon seriesManager Mikel Arteta has previously admitted that the club is likely to have a busy transfer window because the squad needs a complete overhaul following an underwhelming season. The Spaniard welcomed Tavares to the club as he continues to plot future arrivals and departures.”Nuno 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 Under-21s. His 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 his integration into the Arsenal family and playing in front of our fantastic supporters.”Arsenal close to signing an Algerian-rooted French talent… Again… Really?Tavares, 21, who played against Arsenal in the Europa League last season, will link up with Arteta’s squad after travelling to Britain and completing coronavirus isolation requirements.Technical director Edu clarified that Tavares will be considered a future prospect for the Gunners as Kieran Tierney is expected to be a regular starter at the left side of the defence. “Nuno is a talented young player who was wanted by a number of clubs across Europe. He will provide a 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.”
