Arsenal have signed Portugese defender Nuno Tavares from Benfica for a reported fee of around £7m.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract to become the Gunners’ first signing of the summer transfer window.
Nuno Tavares joined Benfica’s academy as a 15-year-old in 2015 and eventually broke into the senior Benfica side at the start of the 2019-20 season. The defender went on to make 41 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese giants.
“I’m so excited because it is a big club and for me as a young guy, it is a pleasure to be here,” Tavares said on signing the deal.
“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.”
When asked what he brings to the team, the defender said: “I am fast, I am good at shooting with my right foot, but I’m left-footed. I can dribble, improvising. That’s my qualities, my technique. I have more qualities and I will find more in this club.”
Speaking about his newest acquisition, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta 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 his energy on the left side of the pitch.”
Nuno Tavares is currently unable to link up with his teammates because of the UK government coronavirus regulations for international travellers. However, he is set to join them in their pre-season training camp in Scotland next week.
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