According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have reopened talks with Marseille over a loan deal for Nuno Tavares.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that the £29,000-a-week man is keen to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Tavares and Mikel Arteta seem to be on the same page, as the Spaniard is open to selling the Portuguese defender – it was said that the Gunners value their No.20 at £34m.
While the north Londoners are unlikely to receive that amount for a player who struggled in his debut season in English football, a loan exit now seems very likely, with the defender set for a medical with Marseille.
Marseille – who are also confident of signing William Saliba – resumed talks with Arsenal after Atalanta saw a deal for Tavares collapse, and have made quick progress.
Romano adds that Arsenal want a simple, season-long loan for the 22-year-old, and have no intention of inserting an option to buy in the deal.
Tavares made 28 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal while also providing two assists.
Arsenal can only win with Nuno Tavares
In our view, Tavares was a smart signing by Arsenal.
The Portugal Under-21 international only cost £6.8m, and despite a wobbly debut campaign, he showed plenty of promise at times while deputising for Kieran Tierney.
Even Ian Wright sat up and took notice of the defender, calling him a “fantastic” footballer despite a few unconvincing performances.
Therefore, if he does join Marseille on loan, and has an impressive season, Arsenal could end up with an asset worth over £20m on their hands, especially as the 22-year-old would be playing Champions League football.
On the contrary, if the loan proves to be a disaster, Arsenal haven’t exactly broke the bank by signing Tavares, and they will surely make their £6.8m back next summer if they choose to sell.
Whatever happens in the 2022/23 campaign, Edu deserves credit for this low-risk signing.
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