Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Nuno Tavares from Benfica and have already personal terms with the left-back, according to reports in Portugal.
The London club are plotting an ambitious summer spending spree and want to complete five major signings, but they are also looking to plug gaps in their team with rather less spectacular arrivals.
Arsenal have been in need of a new backup left-back to support Kieran Tierney, with the Scot’s frequent injury issues causing Mikel Arteta several headaches last campaign.
Players like Cedric Soares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka all filled in at left-back, with the problem exacerbated by the decision to loan out Kolasinac – who will be sold this summer.
Benfica’s left-back Tavares has been identified as the ideal cover and competition for Tierney and, according to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias, a deal is very close.
The gunners have already held talks with both the player and Benfica and have agreed a five-year deal with the 21-year-old.
A final agreement over a transfer fee is pending, though they have reached an understanding in principle and the total amount of the deal is expected to be around £12.8m.
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Arsenal were alerted to growing interest in Tavares from teams around Europe, which includes Napoli and Southampton, and have sped up negotiations to try and conclude a deal, with Jornal de Noticias describing the transfer as ‘imminent’.
Tavares was barely used by Jorge Jesus last campaign, starting just seven matches as he struggled to displace left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, but Arsenal got to see him in action in their Europa League match.
The Portugal Under-21 international will be one of the several new faces arriving at the club this summer if Arteta’s spending spree goes according to plan.
Also, The Gunners are deep in talks to sign Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga from Brighton and Anderlecht respectively, while they are also looking to sign Aaron Ramsdale, James Maddison and RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams.
