Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was reportedly left frustrated by the behaviour of Nuno Tavares last season, and the boss must decide whether to bring him back into the fold this summer or sanction an exit.
Arsenal spent £8million when signing Tavares from Portuguese side Benfica in July 2021. He was brought in to provide competition and backup for first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney.
Tavares had an eventful debut campaign with the Gunners. He put in some impressive displays but also left Arteta disappointed in other games.
In the summer, Arsenal decided Tavares was not yet experienced enough to challenge for a first-team spot at the Emirates and opted to loan him out to Marseille.
Arsenal brought in Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City to rival Tierney for the left-back position. And Zinchenko has done exceptionally well, displacing Tierney and becoming one of Arteta’s most reliable players during the club’s title hunt.
Tavares, meanwhile, has done well at Marseille, netting six goals in 21 appearances. Although, he has received criticism from the French media for his performance in the recent 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) state he ‘looked lost’ at times playing against some of the best players in France.
The report also provides some insight on what Arteta thinks about the 23-year-old. It is claimed Arteta and his coaching staff were ‘often annoyed with his behaviour’ last season. This, along with Tavares’ lack of experience, is one of the main reasons why he was shipped off to Ligue 1.
Tavares’ Marseille loan does not include an option to buy. And he recently hinted he would like to return to Arsenal and fulfil his contract with the Gunners.
Arsenal player tries to prompt Arteta decision
“Everyone knows that I still have two years left with Arsenal on my contract,” the Portuguese said.
“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.”
However, this decision will ultimately rest with Arteta and sporting director Edu. They will likely monitor Tavares once he returns to Arsenal training in the summer to see how he does. If he appears to be way behind Zinchenko and Tierney then a sale will likely go through.
What could change Tavares’ situation is Tierney being sold, as Newcastle United are preparing to move in for the Scot. This would free up space in the squad for Tavares and potentially result in Arteta completing a U-turn by keeping him.
But Tavares will have to change his attitude if he wants to become a success with Arsenal. He cannot continue showing the poor behaviour which has been referred to by the French media.
While Tavares could depart Arsenal this summer, Montpellier striker Elye Wahi might become part of Arteta’s squad. According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Borussia Dortmund will struggle to land the 20-year-old. This has put Arsenal and Tottenham at the front of the queue to complete a deal.
Meanwhile, Arteta has cleared up a confusing clash between two Arsenal players recently.
source: teamtalk.com
