Marseille are reportedly set to open fresh talks with Arsenal for Nuno Tavares as the Ligue 1 giants step up their pursuit of the Portuguese left-back.
According to French outlet La Provence, Marseille president Pablo Longoria has travelled to open fresh talks with Arsenal to sign Nuno Tavares on a temporary basis as well as to discuss the feasibility of another loan deal for William Saliba this summer after a successful stint last term.
Following the arrival of new coach Igor Tudor, who succeeded Jorge Sampaoli following the Argentine tactician’s surprising departure earlier this summer, Marseille have identified Arsenal’s left-back Nuno Tavares as a top transfer target in this window.
Because of the managerial change, Les Phocéens’ summer transfer plans have had to be adjusted, with Tudor preferring a 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-3 formation, making both wing-backs critical to his system. As a result, Marseille have prioritised bolstering in those areas, with Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares shortlisted as their No. 1 option for the left wing-back position.
Tavares had an inconsistent debut season in England after joining Arsenal for €8 million from Benfica last summer. The 22-year-old got off to a bright start, even unseating Kieran Tierney for a starting spot for a while but largely struggled to impose himself in the second half of the campaign.
Tavares made 28 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions in the 2021/22 season. But for all his strong work, bombing up and down the flank, he made some glaring errors, and the 22-year-old faced criticism for his error-prone displays from fans and pundits.
The full-back is likely to spend most of next season as cover for Kieran Tierney. With Arsenal reportedly showing interest in Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez and Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo, the Portuguese defender could fall further down the pecking order, which has led to speculation linking him with a loan move away from the Emirates.
Serie A club Atalanta and La Liga outfit Real Sociedad have been heavily linked with Tavares, but Marseille appear to have held talks with the Gunners. The Ligue 1 giants seem to have a good relationship with the Gunners given the two clubs’ prior dealings in moves for Sead Kolasinac and Matteo Guendouzi, as well as the loan spell for William Saliba.
If a move to Marseille comes to fruition, that would give Tavares the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League next season thanks to the French club’s second-place finish last term. The left-back is just 22 years old and has the potential for a lot of upside, while his physical and technical attributes could well help him excel in his preferred wing-back position as he seeks regular first-team action.
