Arsenal backed to complete ‘perfect’ transfer amid Nuno Tavares claim – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted a potential loan move to Brighton would be a “perfect opportunity” for Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed a move to the Amex Stadium would allow the 22-year-old to gain the top-flight experience he “desperately needs”.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (20 July), Brighton are negotiating with Arsenal over a move for Tavares – with current first-choice star Marc Cucurella wanted by Man City.
The Portugal Under-21 international made 13 Premier League starts last season as Kieran Tierney struggled with injury – but the Gunners have drafted in Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer to bolster their left-back options.
Tavares cost Arsenal a reported initial fee of £6.8million when they signed him from Benfica last summer (2021).
Whelan insisted a move to Brighton would allow Mikel Arteta to cast a close eye over that investment.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “You’re going from one Premier League club to another – and it’s a side that play a very similar style to Arsenal.
“They’re very much a passing side, Brighton, they get on the front foot – and it’s the perfect opportunity for Tavares if it comes about.
“It shouldn’t take that long for him to adapt and get into the swing of things, but he’d be getting valuable Premier League experience – something he desperately needs.
“It’ll be very easy for Arsenal to keep tabs on him if he stays in the league. It’s the perfect scenario for a young player like Tavares.”
Tavares suffered the ignominy of being substituted after just 35 minutes in Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round loss against Nottingham Forest in January.
He notched one goal and two assists in the 2021-22 campaign.
In other news, expert backs Arsenal to swoop for another Premier League star after Zinchenko news.