Nuno Tavares has essentially been forced out of Arsenal after the Gunners added Oleksandr Zinchenko to their squad.
He joined them from Benfica at the start of last season as Mikel Arteta’s side looked for a backup to Kieran Tierney.
The Scotsman remains one of the best left-backs in England, but he has serious fitness issues.
This opened up chances for Tavares to play many matches last season, but he didn’t take them.
The Portugal under-21 international could now be offloaded by the Gunners, who remain keen to improve their squad.
Zinchenko has pushed him further down the pecking order, and he is close to joining Atalanta.
A new report on his future on Sport Witness claims the Italian club’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, now considers Tavares an important target and sees a move for him as a matter of urgency.
This could see them speed things up and add him to their squad within the week.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Tavares has the potential to become a top player for Arsenal, but he has not started his spell for the club very well.
A move away will afford him enough playing chances, and he can also prove to us that he has gotten better from his last season performances.
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He played well for several games while Tierney was injured, are people’s memories that short?
He got cooked against Liverpool, but so did everyone else, remember?
When he got pulled at halftime half the players on the pitch deserved to sit as well.
Perhaps assistant coaches could help him with defense?
Zinchenko as backup LB seems like wasting his skill set somewhat doesn’t it?
he cannot defend well which makes him a giant weakpoint in what Arteta wants to achieve. I just dont think he’s good enough to be a realible backup even tho he does have strong qualities about his game. when everyone is fit Zinny can play in midfield, but unfortunate reality with Tierney will put him at LB for a good chunk of the season. Also, we are developing Sousa, who apparently the club likes very much and we will likely start to see next season get chances.
@RSH
He’s a better backup at LB than Zinny. He simply needs the match time to bond with his teammates…
@Durand
RealTalk…
OZ will be the starting LB when Arsenal travel to CP
on August 5th and will continue in that role even if
KT EVER returns to full fitness. Love KT when healthy
but it’s pretty obvious that MA simply can’t rely count
on the young lad anymore.
Tavares has all the ability in the world, but AFC is taking
a gamble by loaning him out if KT extends his stay on
the treatment table.
Sell or clear out unneeded players and fill with quality players. Keep Saliba Because of he might be cost £100m on coming year.
Hope he stays as he was good when he came on today and totally improved our defending on the left. As good as Zinchenko was going forward he was beaten a few times when defending which Nuno covered well. Nothing against Zinchenko but he’s better in midfield imho.
@Declan
Seems like we’re the only ones who saw how well Nuno shored up the left flank… James was having a field day until he came on.
Your not the only ones.His positional play is improving and as he gains confidence,which can only come from match practise , he can fulfil his undoubted potential.I would not send him out on loan but would play him in the Cup matches including the Europa competition.Zinchenko is first and foremost a central midfielder who will compete with Xhaka in that area.
@Grandad
👍🏾
I much hope TAVARES is not sold, even if he is loaned , as now looks more likely than not. I’d prefer he stays here and is not loaned.
I think him a talented player but not suited to be a defender.
I think Nuno should be converted to a winger