Journalist says he’s been told Arsenal are about to sign a player with a ‘difficult personality’

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Duncan Castles has told the Transfer Window Podcast that Arsenal are signing Nuno Tavares, who has had some interesting reviews from Portuguese football insiders who he has contacted.

Tavares is very much a burgeoning prospect, with his profile still relatively low.

But Arsenal’s recruitment team have obviously been impressed by his first few appearances in Benfica’s first-team.

Arsenal have now managed to agree a fee for the young full-back.

And Castles says that although he is a ‘difficult personality’, his attacking quality is already earning him a reputation.

“Another signing for Arsenal and one that has been fully agreed is Nuno Tavares.” Castles said.

“They’ll pay eight million euros plus two million in performance related variables.

“Interesting one this. He’s been signed as cover and a development player. He’s an option they can have alongside Tierney.

“People I speak to who are paid to asses the quality of Portuguese football say that he is a difficult personality, but a very good attacking full-back with defensive frailties.

“He’s yet to play in the Champions League. Other people will tell you that the price was low because he’s not that great, but I’ll trust my expert and it looks like Arsenal have done a reasonable bit of business.”

An important signing

It should be expected that Tavares will play fairly frequently for Arsenal next term.

While Kieran Tierney is unquestionably their first choice option at left-back, the Scot’s injury record is not the most encouraging.

Tierney has rarely made it through a season in his career without having to spend some time on the treatment table, and that could provide Tavares with a chance.

The signing of a left-back could be key for Arsenal as it was an area they were short in last season, with Granit Xhaka often having to fill in at full-back.