Marseille could now hand forgotten Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares a transfer lifeline in January as he looks to end a disappointing loan spell with Nottingham Forest early.
The 23-year-old agreed to move to the City Ground on a season-long deal in September on deadline day. But Tavares has endured a frustrating time away from Arsenal having played in five fixtures at Nottingham Forest. He has also only featured in three Premier League games.
Tavares saw his hopes of establishing a vital role under Steve Cooper take an early blow, too, last September. The left-back sustained a muscular injury against Manchester City and has not played in the top-flight since. Nuno Espirito Santo has shown no faith in the Portuguese.
Marseille explore Nuno Tavares’ transfer if he leaves Nottingham Forest early
Now, Marseille might come to the rescue as L’Equipe reports the Ligue 1 side are interested in signing Tavares from Arsenal again. OM already took the Lisbon native on loan during the 2022/23 season. He was also key with six goals in 31 French top-flight games, starting in 23.
Stade Velodrome chiefs are now debating exploring a swoop to re-sign the ex-Portugal U21 international in January. Marseille need another left-back after selling Renan Lodi to Al Hilal earlier this week. OM have already signed Ulisses Garcia but do not feel he is a replacement.
Tavares is open to leaving Nottingham Forest midway through his loan transfer from Arsenal having not played in the Premier League since September. Marseille further believe a swoop for their former loanee is far less complicated than some of Gennaro Gattuso’s rival targets.
Mikel Arteta must decide if Nuno Tavares has a long-term future at Arsenal
Marseille are yet to decide if they will target his permanent transfer or another loan move for Tavares’ return from Arsenal. The Gunners wanted £12m to sanction his permanent transfer last summer, per Charles Watts, before he moved to Nottingham Forest in a last-gasp deal.
This January may mark Arsenal’s last chance to receive a somewhat reasonable profit on the transfer of Tavares from SL Benfica in July 2021. He agreed to head to Emirates Stadium on a contract to June 2025. So, Mikel Arteta will have to consider Tavares’ future in the capital.
Arteta credited Edu and Arsenal’s scouting department for identifying Tavares as a potential target back in 2021. He arrived from Benfica for an initial £7m, rising up to £8.5m after add-ons. Tavares also instantly impressed Arteta after his first Premier League start that October.
“One of the biggest qualities he has is that he is not fazed at all when is playing,” Arteta told Arsenal’s website after a 3-1 win over Aston Villa. “He was not fazed to make a debut like he did, the risks that he takes [or] the actions that he puts in place.
“Plus, what you can see, [like] his physicality. He is naturally a very gifted athlete. He can run and he can change speed and direction, and technically he is very gifted.”
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