Nottingham Forest have returned for Nuno Tavares as they opened talks for a loan deal for the 23-year-old Arsenal man.
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Nottingham Forest are back in for Nuno Tavares as they look to agree on a loan move. The 23-year-old Arsenal man is surplus to requirements at the Emirates, but the Gunners would want a buy option or obligation included.
Nuno Tavares joined Arsenal from Benfica in the summer of 2021 and was impressed with his early showings. He played significant games under Mikel Arteta, who primarily used him to cover the injured Kieran Tierney. The Gunners signed Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer, allowing the Portuguese star to join Marseille on loan.
Over in France, Tavares made an early impact and produced many memorable moments for Marseille. The 23-year-old scored six times in Ligue 1 last season, which helped Arsenal retain his decent market value. When he returned for pre-season, the arrival of Jurrien Timber meant the Gunners no longer needed him.
Aston Villa were interested earlier, as there were reports of Lucas Digne’s imminent departure to France. While that has not happened, Tavares has remained at Arsenal as the Gunners hoped to sell him somehow before the transfer deadline.
Nottingham Forest in advanced talks with Arsenal over the signing of left-back Nuno Tavares. Discussions are over a loan deal. Forest hopeful of completing the deal after it had stalled earlier this month. Tavares into the final 2 years of his contract at Arsenal. #AFC #NFFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 29, 2023
Nottingham Forest approached Arsenal earlier for Tavares, and many reports suggested they could permanently sign the left-back. The Gunners appeared on course to make a hefty profit on their £8 million investment in the 23-year-old.
The move eventually broke down for reasons unknown as Tavares considered other options. He might have had offers from Turkey and other leagues, but nothing has materialised so far. Now, Nottingham Forest have returned to the table for Tavares, hoping to broker a loan move.
Early indications suggest Arsenal are open to the idea, but they will want a significant buy option or an obligation depending on performances and specific criteria. For now, Dharmesh Sheth insists a deal could inch closer but does not mention the existence of a buy option or obligation.
A loan move to Forest could benefit Tavares as he has plenty of potential waiting to unlock with good coaching. Cooper can get the best out of the 23-year-old Arsenal man if he makes him a regular in the current season.