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The 23-year-old's problems were highlighted as he was withdrawn midway through the first half of Arsenal's FA Cup third round defeat against Nottingham Forest last season.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.