Arsenal 'closing in on Nuno Tavares signing'

Arsenal are edging closer to the signing of Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners recently managed to tie Kieran Tierney down to a new long-term deal, but they were short of options at left-back throughout the 2020-21 campaign.

Sead Kolasinac's expected exit would leave Tierney as Mikel Arteta's only recognised defender on that side, and the Arsenal boss has therefore been expected to bolster his ranks at left-back this summer.

Now, transfer expert Romano reports that Arsenal and Benfica have reached an agreement in principle over a move for Tavares, who would only cost the Gunners £6.8m initially.

Romano adds that Tavares has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract, which would see him become Arsenal's first signing of the summer window.

The 21-year-old featured briefly for Benfica against Arsenal in last season's Europa League, and he has amassed one goal and seven assists in 41 appearances for the Portuguese side.