Real Sociedad have reportedly entered the chase for Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares, who could be available for a loan move this summer.
According to Luca Bendoni, Real Sociedad have emerged in the chase for Nuno Tavares, with the Portuguese full-back available this summer. Arsenal are looking to loan out the 22-year-old, but they could entertain bids over a permanent move, provided suitors match their asking price.
Arsenal have accelerated their plans in the summer transfer window, with many high-profile arrivals expected at the Emirates. Fabio Vieira has already joined the Gunners, and the north Londoners have reportedly agreed on a fee with Manchester City for Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal are also in negotiations for Raphinha and remain keen on signing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. These are all high-profile players who will cost Arsenal massive fees. That leaves the door open for a few departures, even some unexpected ones, such as Nuno Tavares.
The Portuguese left-back endured a mixed-bag of a debut season in the Premier League. He was praised for his performances early in the season, but a few error-prone displays cost Arsenal valuable points in their quest to finish in the top-four.
?? Nuno #Tavares situation, from what I'm told:
– #Atalanta are interested in him, as @DiMarzio reported. They had a contact with his camp, but it's a difficult deal.
– Also #RealSociedad had a contact.
–#OM are watching him as per @Santi_J_FM but there haven't been talks yet. pic.twitter.com/Jpg6sUquaT
— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) June 23, 2022
However, the overall impression made by the young full-back was positive. Mikel Arteta always had strong things to say about the player, yet reports insist the Arsenal manager is open to letting Tavares leave temporarily.
Amid recent interest from Atalanta, Arsenal reportedly slapped a €40 million price tag on the Portuguese defender. While the valuation may be too high for the Italian club’s liking, they continue to monitor Tavares’s situation at Arsenal with intent and may consider taking him on a dry loan.
Meanwhile, Marseille enquired about Tavares and reportedly made a loan-to-buy offer. Arsenal are yet to respond to the proposal, as the interest in the left-back continues to grow. Real Sociedad have become the latest team to enter the chase as the La Liga giants ponder an approach. The idea from Arsenal is to allow Tavares to gain valuable experience by playing regularly next season.
If the Gunners successfully pursued Martinez from Ajax, the idea of sending the Portuguese away could grow stronger. Meanwhile, if Real Sociedad’s interest is strong, Tavares could consider a loan switch to La Liga to further improve his game. The Basque club could be a brilliant option to gain experience, as the Arsenal full-back could be a regular fixture in the team next season.
Arsenal have been ruthless this summer, as they are relentlessly pursuing and looking to seal the signatures of top targets. Despite Tavares’s evident talent and scope to develop into a top player, he could be sold by Arsenal for the right price or at least loaned out to gain regular first-team football.