Aston Villa explore deal to sign 'erratic' Arsenal player

Aston Villa are exploring a deal to sign Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares as they seek additional left back cover.

Unai Emery is now looking to raid Arsenal with Nuno Tavares being eyed up for a move to Aston Villa.

That is according to iNews, who claim that Villa are now exploring a loan deal to sign Tavares.

Villa have been chasing a new left back with Alex Moreno injured and Lucas Digne wanted in Saudi Arabia.

Marcos Acuna has become the top target for Emery and Villa but whilst personal terms are in place, there is no agreement with Sevilla.

Villa are now looking at potential alternatives just in case they can’t finalise a deal for Acuna.

Tavares is one of them with Villa exploring a one-year loan deal with option to buy for the Portuguese left back.

Tavares is back with Arsenal this summer after spending last season on loan with French side Marseille.

There is no future for him under Mikel Arteta though and Arsenal have been keen to move him on this summer.

Nottingham Forest missed out on Aston Villa target Nuno Tavares

The report also explains why Nottingham Forest missed out on the signing of Tavares over the last week.

It’s suggested that a permanent £13million deal was in place for Tavares to join Forest.

However, talks broke down over the weekend and Tavares is now exploring other options to leave Arsenal.

German sides Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg are understood to be interested and have enquired into signing Tavares.

That means Villa won’t have it all their own way, but a move to Villa Park will surely appeal to Tavares.

Emery has Villa moving forward impressively and can give Tavares the chance to play in the Europa Conference League.

Tavares hasn’t really made an impact in the Premier League but Villa can present that opportunity – if they pull away from Acuna.