Atalanta chief Lee Congerton has admitted his admiration for Arsenal fullback Nuno Tavares.

The Portugal U21 international is being linked with La Dea this week.

Congerton said: "I have followed Tavares since he played for Benfica's youth team, he is a strong player.

"But Tavares has a contract with Arsenal and it is really difficult to recruit players from Premier League clubs."

Tavares has a deal with Arsenal to 2025.