Atalanta are reportedly weighing up an approach for Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares as Gian Piero Gasperini eyes a replacement for Robin Gosens.
According to Calciomercato, Atalanta are eyeing a move for Nuno Tavares, with the left-back facing an uncertain future at Arsenal. Gian Piero Gasperini wants a suitable option to replace Robin Gosens, who left for Inter Milan in the January transfer window.
The transfer market will soon open, and clubs are considering various moves to strengthen their squad. In the case of Atalanta, the Serie A giants are seeking to fill the gaps in their team as they look to get over a disappointing season. Gian Piero Gasperini wants essential players to stabilise his squad.
The Atalanta manager wants wide players this summer and is eyeing a viable replacement for Robin Gosens, who departed in January to join Inter Milan. The German offered plenty of quality in defence and the attack. Losing him has affected Atalanta considerably, and hence Gasperini is considering many options.
Atalanta need to consider the cost of players in the market, as the Serie A giants are not flush with cash. And Gasperini may need to identify bargain options, even if it means dipping into the loan market.
Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares has emerged on their radar, and Atalanta could explore the full-back’s situation in north London. The 22-year-old’s future remains uncertain after an indifferent debut season at the Emirates.
Signed from Benfica for a modest fee, Tavares made a strong start to the season, even dislodging Kieran Tierney briefly from the Arsenal starting eleven. However, his form has since dipped, and the Portuguese became a somewhat defensive weak link in the side.
Since the end of the season, reports of Arsenal’s interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko has put the long-term prospects of Tavares in considerable doubt. In addition, other names are mentioned by media outlets as a possible new candidate to compete with Tierney at Arsenal.
Bologna’s Aaron Hickey is also a target, while Federico Dimarco’s name has also been mentioned recently. Mikel Arteta could be seeking a new left-back cover this summer, although Arsenal’s search for a full-back has since taken a back seat as they chase a striker and midfielder.
Some reports suggested Arsenal could be open to sending Tavares on loan. It is not difficult to envisage such a move, although nothing of that sort has come directly from Arteta. However, there is a belief that the manager may look to keep the player, while Zinchenko was considered more as a midfield reinforcement than a left-back.
Atalanta could look to explore how much it would cost to take Tavares either on loan or permanently. Personally, Tavares could learn a lot under Gasperini, and if a loan is an answer to get some experience under his belt, Arsenal could consider such an option.
