Arsenal set to offload Nuno Tavares

Arsenal are set to offload Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares after just one season.

The 22-year-old joined the Gunners last summer in an £8 million move from Benfica. However, he has failed to impress after making 28 appearances in all competitions. 

Tavares deputised for the injury-ravaged Kieran Tierney at times last season but struggled to assert himself as an able replacement. He delivered some strong performances earlier in the season against the likes of Aston Villa, Leicester City and Watford. 

However, since the turn of the year, he has struggled when called into action. His inconsistency saw Mikel Arteta sometimes deploy Granit Xhaka at left-back. 

The Gunners gaffer is now ready to move Tavares on, having signed Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City on a four-year deal.

Serie A club Atalanta are reportedly leading the race for the former Portugal U21 international. They want to take him on loan, but Arsenal want to include a £34m buy option clause in the deal. 

Under the stewardship of Gian Piero Gasperini, Tavares would operate as a left-wing-back. He would be tasked with providing width and delivering quality crosses inside the final third, which characterises some of his best qualities.

However, the fee Arsenal are requesting could be out of reach for the Italians. Atalanta director Lee Congerton has admitted they may find it difficult to find an agreement with Arsenal over a permanent deal.

Marseille have also registered interest in Tavares. The Ligue 1 club have experience dealing with Arsenal after deals for William Saliba and Matteo Guendouzi.

Tavares is a raw talent and has shown plenty of potential. However, there are clear deficiencies in his game with and without the ball, especially in deeper areas.

A loan elsewhere that will allow him to develop without being a detriment to his side is a good idea for all sides.