Arsenal could be closing in on the signing of a new left-back.
One of several big transfer news surrounding the north London outfit over the past 24 hours is that of Benfica defender Nuno Tavares making the move from Portugal to the capital of England.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are already in direct contact with the player's agents with regards to a €15million (£12.8m) summer transfer.
Meanwhile, reports in Portugal claim that the Gunners and Benfica have reached an 'agreement' for Tavares who will sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium with an announcement said to be imminent.
Signing a left-back has been a priority for Mikel Arteta and Edu stretching all the way back to the January transfer window after allowing Sead Kolasinac to rejoin Schalke on loan.
That decision would come back to haunt the Gunners during the second half of last season.
Not only were the aforementioned duo not able to bring in a replacement, an injury to Kieran Tierney at the beginning of April left Arteta without a recognised left-back for some important games.
But amid links to Tavares, it would appear that the Spaniard won't repeat the same mistake.
And the 21-year-old's injury record just might prove he's the perfect back-up option to Tierney at left-back for the upcoming season.
As important a player Tierney is to Arsenal, his injury record is a concern.
He arrived at the Emirates injured, saw his first season disrupted with a dislocated shoulder, picked up a few niggles last season and overall has missed 28 games for the club, as per transfermarkt.
Compare that to Tavares' record and it makes for very good viewing.
In his career, he's missed five games because of injury and another three after testing positive for Covid-19 at the beginning of the year.
What will encourage Arsenal fans and Arteta is the fact that Tavares has, so far, managed to steer clear of any long-term injuries so his consistent availability means he can step in for Tierney when the Scot needs a breather or if his injury nightmare strikes again.
