Arsenal have completed their first signing of the 2021 summer transfer window. On Saturday, the Gunners confirmed they had bolstered manager Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad by acquiring the Portugal under-21 international from Benfica for a fee believed to be in the region of £6.8m. Tavares arrives in north London to provide competition as well as cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back in the new season. Speaking to the club’s official website after the deal was announced, the 21-year-old spoke of his delight at sealing a move to a club the size of Arsenal, and revealed when contact was first made regarding a summer transfer.
Nuno Tavares said: “I’m so excited because it’s a big club and for me as a young guy it is a pleasure to be here. It’s good for my career. To begin in Arsenal is a big club and I’m very happy. No it was not a quick process. “It was more things of the contract and things between the clubs with Arsenal and Benfica. It was not quick and it took a long time. When I finished the season my agent told me Arsenal are interested in me. In the first impact I was very happy and after this I dreamed about this with my mum and I’m so excited to be here. Now I’m here I’m so happy.”
Saturday turned out to be a busy day for Tavares as he wished his former club Benfica farewell and sent a message to Arsenal fans on social media.
