21-year-old left-back Nuno Tavares is set to join Arsenal from Benfica for €8m plus add-ons, according to a report.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal and Benfica have an agreement in principle for the transfer of Nuno Tavares, with the deal set to be completed for €8m guaranteed plus add-ons.
Arsenal have already agreed personal terms over a five-year deal Tavares and an agent fee with his representatives, though they’re still yet to sign and complete the final paperwork.
Romano had previously reported that the player’s priority was to join Arsenal ahead of other options, with Napoli and Lazio also in the race.
It initially appeared that Benfica would want €15-17m for the defender, but evidently, Arsenal managed to negotiate that down with the addition of some add-ons.
According to A Bola, Arsenal will pay €8m plus €2m in bonuses after he achieves various objectives. Record reported a similar story.
The English media have been a little further behind on this one, with Goal and The Athletic reporting on Monday that Arsenal were in talks and pursuing a deal for the player. Tavares is expected to act as a backup to Kieran Tierney.
It’s not entirely clear what the hold-up is at this stage. With a fee and personal terms agreed, Arsenal could presumably close the deal, yet it’s still just an agreement in principle without any paperwork.
Perhaps Arsenal are waiting for other deals to go through, whether that’s outgoings or agreements on incomings. Regardless, it’s looking very likely Tavares will be an Arsenal player by the start of the new season.