Arsenal look set to complete their first major signing of the summer and a deal could be formally announced by the club as early as tomorrow.
Earlier this week we brought you the news that Arsenal reportedly had an agreement in principle to sign a new defender. Now, according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, the deal is done, Arsenal will sign Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares in a deal worth 8million euros plus bonuses. He will sign a five-year contract with the Gunners.
In his tweet he confirms that Nuno was in London today to undergo his medical.
Tavares has been regarded as an exciting attacking wing back in Europe for years, but he has struggled to break into the first team ahead of Alex Grimaldo.
Statistics website WhoScored lists Nuno’s main strengths as crossing, key passes and blocking the ball. This is backed up by the common perception that he is a very promising player going forward, but his weaknesses in holding on to the ball and concentration equally highlight his poor defensive contributions.
At the age of 21, Arteta will hope he can coach into the player some better defensive qualities, but his ability to go forward will help when needing to fill in for Kieran Tierney.
Tierney, who signed a new contract this summer, is expected to feature in the first team whenever he is fit, but fitness has proven to be a concern for Kieran in recent years. This could leave the window open for Tavares to get first team football for the Gunners.
If he can improve the defensive side of his game, Nuno’s height (over 6ft) could come in handy. For a full back, he’s certainly taller than the median and this will help in set piece scenarios.
Arsenal had been heavily linked with a move for free agent Ryan Bertrand who is now set to sign for Leicester, with the Gunners opting for the younger option in Tavares.