Player waiting for negative Covid-19 tests to travel and have Arsenal medical

As had been predicted by the Portuguese media, Wednesday saw Arsenal and Benfica agree the transfer of Nuno Tavares.

Thursday’s edition of O Jogo says ‘the process is closed’ meaning there’s full agreement between the two clubs on everything involved in the transfer. Arsenal will be paying €8m plus a possible further €2m in bonus payments.

Benfica had wanted to push that €8m figure but have been unable to convince the Gunners to part with more money. The bonuses are said to be related to ‘collective’ achievements, so how well Mikel Arteta’s side does, rather than related to Nuno Tavares personally.

The fullback will sign a contract with Arsenal for four years, with a further year as an option.

When the player travels and has his medical tests is dependent on the result of Covid-19 tests. Should a Thursday test be negative then he’s free to travel to London, with O Jogo suggesting that could happen on Friday or Saturday, and will then go into quarantine for ten days.

He can be released from that if he tests negative again on the fifth day. It’s not clear whether the medical can take place during that quarantine or if he’ll have to wait.