According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have contacted Benfica over a deal to bring Nuno Tavares to the club. The Gunners are apparently joined by Napoli and Lazio in the race to sign the young left-back, although it seems Benfica have slapped a €15 million – €17 million price tag on the player. Arsenal are not rushing into anything as of yet, having recently extended the contract of Kieran Tierney.
Who Is Nuno Tavares?
A native of Lisbon, Nuno Tavares initially started his youth career at Sporting CP, before moving to SL Benfica academy in 2015. He has since enjoyed swift growth, moving from the U17 side to the senior team in a space of four years at the age of 19.
A left-back by trade, Tavares currently plays second fiddle to Alejandro Grimaldo in Benfica’s first-team. He is, however, highly regarded as a top talent, having impressed the onlookers with his pace, offensive prowess and ability to provide creativity out wide.
The youngster is also adept in making overlapping runs across the channels, producing dangerous crosses from the byline. It makes him quite a useful outlet in the left wingback position, although the player is indeed capable of featuring as a traditional left-back.
Tavares is yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Benfica. However, with Grimaldo facing an uncertain future at the club, many expect the 21-year-old to become the club’s number one left-back next season, unless the youngster ends up leaving Portugal.
Does It Make Sense For Arsenal?
Arsenal’s pursuit of a new left-back is hardly surprising as the club is running out of options. Cedric Soares hasn’t done much since arriving at Emirates and is clearly a misfit at left-back while Sead Kolasinac is set to leave north London in the summer.
It leaves Mikel Arteta with Tierney as their only viable option at left-back, thus paving the way for someone like Tavares to become a critical asset for the Gunners.
The youngster can provide a semblance of tactical versatility to Arteta as he can operate as a wingback. It makes him an ideal alternative to Tierney, who prefers playing the role of a traditional left-back, with an emphasis on defending.
Tavares’ blistering pace might be a huge help in the Premier League as well, making him a scourge for defenders on the counter. He is also left-footed which means Arteta can certainly train him to become a right-back, where Hector Bellerin and Cedric have both been mediocre, to say the least.
Arsenal, therefore, should definitely look to invest in Tavares, who has the potential to become an asset for the club. And at the age of just 21, he could indeed be a smart long-term investment for the Gunners.
