Nuno Tavares joins Arsenal on £7m deal

joined

on a £7m deal from

on Saturday. The 21-year-old is currently self-isolating to comply with UK government regulations for international travelers. However, he is set to join his new teammates ahead of their pre-season training camp in Scotland next week.

Tavares told the club’s official

:

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

"When I finished the season my agent told me that Arsenal were interested in me. In the first instance I was very happy and after this I dreamed about it, and [spoke about it] with my mum. I was so excited to be here, and now I'm here I'm so happy."

He added: "

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."

Tavares broke into Benfica’s senior squad in the 2019-20 season. The young left-back went on to make 41 senior appearances for the Portuguese giants, scoring one goal and providing seven assists.

When asked about the club’s new signing, Arsenal manager

Mikel Arteta

responded:

“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 U21s.

"Nuno’s arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch."

Following

’s injury, Mikel Arteta was forced to use Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s defense last season. Tierney is expected to retain his place in the Gunners’ starting lineup, while Tavares is set to serve as his back-up.

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