Arsenal revert Nuno Tavares plan after Atalanta talks collapse with different deal getting closer
Arsenal are not intending to insert any kind of purchase clause in a loan deal for Nuno Tavares, whose move to Atalanta has collapsed in favour of another exit route.
That’s according to the Daily Express, who have revealed that Marseille are back in talks for the left-back. The French side have been battling Atalanta for his signature, but now the Serie A switch looks less likely.
Tavares only joined Arsenal last summer in a permanent transfer from Benfica. Despite some promising signs at times, he struggled for consistency in his debut Premier League season and the general consensus now is that he is not up to standard – yet.
Therefore, Arsenal have been tipped to send him away this summer. Kieran Tierney remains first-choice in his position, while the signing of the versatile Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City means there will still be cover even if Tavares goes.
Recently, it appeared Atalanta were in pole position to acquire his services. Talk of a move to Marseille had gone quiet in the meantime. But now, the situation has swapped.
According to the Express, negotiations with Atalanta have now collapsed due to the lack of a buying clause. In turn, Marseille have got back in touch over a deal for Tavares and are optimistic they will be able to sign him.
Arsenal will not be letting them have an option to buy, but will allow Tavares to develop elsewhere during the 2022-23 season.
He remains under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2025, with the option of a further year.
There are now indications that he will take a medical before his move to Marseille on Friday.
Marseille move for Nuno Tavares continues Arsenal theme
Should he join Marseille, he would find himself among a range of ex-Arsenal players. In his left-back position, OM already have Sead Kolasinac. They also have Matteo Guendouzi in midfield and are reportedly in talks for Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez.
Their chances of luring William Saliba back to Stade Velodrome after his productive loan spell from Arsenal seem slim, though, despite their best efforts.
Atalanta, meanwhile, are reportedly on the verge of signing former Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig. It is unclear whether they view him as an alternative to Tavares in a wing-back role, or would be using him further forward.
That will not be Arsenal’s problem as long as they can place Tavares somewhere he is going to get better development.
Interestingly, the Express revealed that Lille looked into the left-back’s signing too. However, their Ligue 1 competitors Marseille may be winning the race after all.
All parties will be hoping the season goes well for Tavares at Marseille. In turn, it will be interesting to see if he has a long-term Arsenal future.
