Arsenal close to ‘imminent’ Nuno Tavares transfer from Benfica

If the plan was for Arsenal to conduct their business away from the public eye, then there might be one deal in the works where they’ve successfully managed to do so. In the space of less than a day, talk over a deal for Nuno Tavares has gathered serious pace.

The Kieran Tierney backup remit is proving a tough nut to crack. The profile desired is well known as preferably young and homegrown, but convincing said target to come in and be second choice with no European football to counterbalance the lack of Premier League minutes adds to the difficulty.

Miguel Gutierrez has been (very) recently mentioned as an option for the position, with the 19-year-old Real Madrid academy graduate on the wishlist, yet if you pop over to Portugal you’ll be told that Arsenal have pretty much already signed someone else.

As noted by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal had joined Lazio and Napoli (always a good sign when Napoli get involved) in contacting Nuno Tavares’ agents.

Arsenal close to ‘imminent’ Nuno Tavares transfer from Benfica as Mikel Arteta eyes Kieran Tierney backup in summer transfer window

Tavares’ priority above all the options is to join Arsenal and play in the Premier League – the ball is said to be in Arsenal’s court on this one. Additionally, reliable Arsenal journalist Charles Watts, as well as The Athletic, have since confirmed talks have begun, but state that he will be available for considerably less, at around £6m-£7m.

Fairly interesting stuff, but once we delve into the Portuguese media, it’s as if he’s already signed on the dotted line.

As per outlet JN, a deal is ‘imminent’ and terms have already been agreed in principle on a five-year deal with all parties, adding that Arsenal have fought off interest from fellow Premier League side Southampton to secure his signature.

A Bola weigh in by saying an ‘unknown’ English club are closing in on a £6m deal, which matches what has been said in the UK. Considering his release clause is set at closer to £75m, it would constitute a bargain amount for a player who Benfica boss Jorge Jesus labelled as ‘the future’ of the club. The Portuguese side are historically a selling club.

There is no doubting that the interest in Tavares is real, although a healthy amount of seasoning needs adding to the Portuguese reports that are known for their fair share of sensationalism (as are Italy).

Given this is intensifying, it’s best we go and profile the young defender, right?

Continued…