Latest News! The Sun has broken the news that Benfica iron defender Nuno Tavares has decisively rebuffed Real Sociedad's olive branch, with the 21-year-old Portuguese starlet on the verge of donning an Arsenal shirt and bringing the Gunners their first strong signing of the summer.
Arsenal have been courting Tavares for a long time. According to the Portuguese newspaper El Globo, Arsenal coach Arteta personally called Tavares and sincerely invited him to join. Now, rumor has it that the deal has entered the final stage, despite the La Liga powerhouse Real Sociedad tried to intercept in the middle, and even offered more generous conditions, but Tavares still chose to join Arsenal.
It is reported that agent Boaventura and the English agency played a key role in Tavares' transfer. Famous transfer expert Romano even said bluntly, "Tavares has become a member of Arsenal." On Friday, Tavares departed from Benfica and flew to London, where he was photographed by numerous fans at the airport. The deal is said to be for a transfer fee of up to £7 million.
Tavares is only 21 years old and has huge potential for development. After joining Arsenal, he is expected to be Tierney's replacement. In last season's Portuguese Premier League, Tavares played 14 games for Benfica, including seven starts.
