Arsenal star Nuno Tavares has issued a clear transfer message to Mikel Arteta ahead of a return to the Emirates Stadium this summer. Tavares is currently enjoying a successful loan spell with Marseille in Ligue 1, scoring six goals in 20 appearances for the French outfit.
The Portuguese left-back endured a shaky debut season after signing for the Gunners from Benfica in 2021. Given Kieran Tierney's injury problems and Tavares' indifferent form, Arteta was left with a headache regarding the left side of his defence.
The 23-year-old's problems were highlighted as he was withdrawn midway through the first half of Arsenal's FA Cup third round defeat against Nottingham Forest last season. Tierney has now been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, which may give Tavares the chance to return and prove himself in competition with Zinchenko - with the Ukrainian defender becoming Arteta's preferred choice at left-back.
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Writing for Caughtoffside, Fabrizio Romano said: "[Kieran] Tierney will decide his future at the end of the season, also Nuno Tavares on loan is another factor to consider. Arsenal want him to be 100% focused on the second part of the season, they’re not in talks with any club now."
Despite enjoying more success in France, Tavares played down speculation of staying in Marseille in a recent interview. The Arsenal loanee said: "Everyone knows that I still have two years left with Arsenal on my contract.
"We’ll finish the season. I’m here until the end of the season to reach our objectives with Marseille, I can’t tell you much more."
The Portuguese defender admitted that he 'feels good' in Marseille and gets along with his new teammates, but insisted he won't be staying put. Tavares added: "At the end of the season, I will return to Arsenal, I can’t say much more."
Arteta refused to sanction a buy-option as the 23-year-old joined Marseille on loan, where he scored on his debut. Since then, Tavares has starred with his attacking qualities being allowed to shine in Ligue 1 and wants to return to the Emirates Stadium where he will hope to follow a similar path to William Saliba - who is relishing his chance in the first team this season.
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