Nuno Tavares tipped to complete Arsenal transfer as ‘discussions’ held – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted it would not be a surprise to see left-back Nuno Tavares leave Arsenal on loan this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old must now “prove a point” to Mikel Arteta after an “inconsistent” first season at the Emirates Stadium.
According to The Athletic (3 June), Arsenal have “discussed the possibility” of loaning Tavares out this summer in order to “aid his development”.
The Portuguese defender made 28 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign – including 13 starts in the Premier League.
Tavares also suffered the ignominy of being substituted after just 35 minutes in Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round loss against Nottingham Forest on January 9.
Whelan insisted the left-back could still be an “asset” for the Gunners if he can impress in a temporary spell elsewhere.
“Everyone always has an opportunity to come back if they’re loaned out,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s got to show character now and put the performances in to really catch Arteta’s eye. He’s got to go out and prove a point.
“It doesn’t surprise me. He’s had good games, but he’s also had terrible games.
“It’s that inconsistency which has probably forced Arteta’s hand and led him to decide to loan him out.
“If he can have a consistent season elsewhere then he could still be a beneficial asset for Arsenal in the long-term.”
Tavares cost Arsenal a reported initial fee of £6.8million when they signed him from Benfica last summer (2021).
He is under contract until June 2025.
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