Transfer News: Arsenal Complete Signing Of Nuno Tavares

Arsenal has announced the signing of Portugal international defender, Nuno Tavares from Benfica on a long-term deal.

The English premier league club announced the signing of the player on Saturday, 10th July 2021.

21-year-old Tavares is expected to provide cover and competition for Kieran Tierney.

The player has been handed the number 20 jersey having come through the ranks at Benfica, progressing from youth level to first-team where he made a total of 41 appearances since making his debut in 2019.

Speaking to the Arsenal website, the player has expressed pure joy and excitement about linking up with the North London club and the project with young players.

“I’m so excited because it is a big club and for me as a young guy, it is a pleasure to be here,” he said.

“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.

“You have a good project,” he added. “Young people, it’s good for me and we learn together, because we can understand together and we can have an evolution together with the young guys. It’s the same. It’s a good project with young guys and we understand each other.”

Speaking about the signing, manager Mikel Arteta said: “We welcome Nuno to the club. 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 Under-21s.

“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.”