Arsenal sign defender Tavares from Benfica

Transfers

Left-back agrees a long-term contract to become Gunners' first summer signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica on a long-term contract.

Tavares, who will wear the No 20 shirt, is Arsenal’s first signing of the summer and will provide competition to Kieran Tierney.

"I'm so excited because it is a big club and for me as a young guy, it is a pleasure to be here," Tavares told the club's official website.

"I am fast, I am good at shooting with my right foot, but I'm left-footed. I can dribble, improvising. That's my qualities, my technique. I have more qualities and I will find more in this club."

The 21-year-old has made 25 appearances for Benfica and has been capped up to Under-21 level by Portugal.

“We welcome Nuno to the club," added manager Mikel Arteta. "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."

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Tavares will hope to make his Premier League debut when Arsenal kick off the 2021/22 season with a trip to Brentford on Friday 13 August.

See: Summer 2021 transfers and news