Nottingham Forest have confirmed the acquisition of 23-year-old Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares on a season-long loan deal.
Nottingham Forest have made an official statement to confirm the acquisition of Nuno Tavares on a season-long loan move from Arsenal. The 23-year-old was surplus to requirements at the Emirates and now gets a move to another Premier League club, where he will hope to play regularly.
Nuno Tavares was an exciting signing when he first joined Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 for an £8 million fee. The 23-year-old Portuguese left-back garnered essential minutes at the start of his career in North London and competed well with Kieran Tierney.
However, the minutes dried up soon, and he only returned to the setup when Tierney suffered another injury in the second part of that season. After that, he left Arsenal for a loan move to Marseille, and in France he made a big impression with six goals last season.
He also played Marseille’s entire UEFA Champions League group stage fixtures, which may have garnered significant experience. As Arsenal have already considered him surplus to requirements for the first team, they have been looking for a new club for Tavares.
Welcome to Nottingham, Nuno ❤️#NFFC | #WelcomeNuno 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/nRITCjKAHV
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 1, 2023
Nottingham Forest emerged as a suitor a week or so ago, but the move eventually broke down for reasons unknown. Aston Villa were among the sides enquiring for the defender. But the Tricky Trees soon returned to the table to find a way through.
In the last few days, talks progressed, and the defender looked set to join Forest on a loan deal. The terms have not been agreed, and Tavares will play for the club wearing the No.3 shirt for the current season.
The loan deal will cost Forest £1 million in fees and includes a £12 million purchase option and an additional £3 million add-ons. As per Fabrizio Romano, the option becomes obligatory if certain conditions are met, probably performance-related.
Hence, Arsenal would want Tavares to perform at the highest level at Forest to achieve those conditions and make the move permanent. After his signing, the 23-year-old expressed his delight at joining the club.
Tavares said, “I’m really happy to be here. Forest is a historic club which won two European Cups, and to be part of it makes me really happy. I’m really happy to stay in the Premier League as it’s the best league in the world, and I’m thankful to Forest for giving me that opportunity.”
Forest’s Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, then added, “We are pleased to welcome Nuno to the club today. I know how determined he is to do well here, and our staff are all looking forward to working with him.”
After locking Tavares, Forest will likely remain active on other deals before the window shuts. They could also brace to receive offers for Brennan Johnson, with Tottenham interested. Hence, the Tricky Trees are about to have an eventful deadline day activity, as they hope to finish the day strong.
