Arsenal have completed their first signing of the 2021 summer transfer window.
On Saturday, the Gunners confirmed they had bolstered manager Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad by acquiring the Portugal under-21 international from Benfica for a fee believed to be in the region of £6.8m.
Tavares arrives in north London to provide competition as well as cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back in the new season.
Speaking to the club’s official website after the deal was announced, the 21-year-old spoke of his delight at sealing a move to a club the size of Arsenal, and revealed when contact was first made regarding a summer transfer.
“I’m so excited because it’s a big club and for me as a young guy it is a pleasure to be here,” he said. “It’s good for my career. To begin in Arsenal is a big club and I’m very happy.
“No it was not a quick process. “It was more things of the contract and things between the clubs with Arsenal and Benfica. It was not quick and it took a long time.
“When I finished the season my agent told me Arsenal are interested in me. In the first impact I was very happy and after this I dreamed about this with my mum and I’m so excited to be here.
“Now I’m here I’m so happy.”
Saturday turned out to be a busy day for Tavares as he wished his former club Benfica farewell and sent a message to Arsenal fans on social media.
“Here we go @arsenal,” he wrote on Instagram.
The summer window is officially open, and it’s going to be tough to keep up with the comings and goings in and out of the Emirates.
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Tavares could train with his new Arsenal teammates next week when the club’s pre-season preparations continue.
Arteta’s side travel up to Scotland next week for their first pre-season fixtures against Hibernian and Rangers, before flying out to America to play Inter Milan and one of Everton or Millonarios in the Florida Cup.
As a result, it shouldn’t be too long before Arsenal fans get to see Tavares in action.