Nuno Tavares has enjoyed a mixed season for Arsenal. The left-back arrived from SL Benfica in a deal worth around £8m with Arsenal fans not sure what to expect from the young Portuguese defender.
Quickly it was evident why Arsenal had been interested in bringing Tavares to the Emirates, with the 21-year-old showcasing very strong physical attributes in the League cup, flying up and down the left flank at a very impressive rate. He even managed to break into the first team for a while, originally when Kieran Tierney had picked up a small injury but ultimately keeping his place even when the Scotsman had returned.
Even after a mistake against Liverpool, the left-back kept his place until Tierney eventually retook his place in the team.
Advert
Tavares' second half of the season didn't go quite as well, unfortunately. He was substituted within 35 minutes of the first half in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest, such was his performance poor. His next start wouldn't be until April, almost four months later. Tierney had picked up an injury that would see him ruled out for the rest of the season, and Tavares was forced to step up. However, he was substituted off at half-time that night, his lack of defensive acumen on clear show as Arsenal had conceded twice to Crystal Palace within 25 minutes.
Until the end of the season, Tavares would start six more games in Arsenal's push for the top four. He scored an opening goal against Manchester United but his performances were incredibly inconsistent and chaotic. Arsenal ultimately failed in their push for the top four and Tavares, among others, didn't cover himself in glory.
This end to the season has led to many Arsenal fans demanding a departure for Nuno Tavares, with some sensing the talent in the youngster and suspecting a loan could help aid his development. Others are not as lenient, requesting a sale for the left-back.
Advert
A report today by local Bergamo newspaper, 'L'Eco di Bergamo' has claimed Arsenal Serie A side Atalanta are considering a move for the Arsenal defender. The Italian team finished 8th in Serie A last season and outside of any European competition place, it is not clear at this stage whether any move for Tavares would be on loan or permanent.
With Arsenal reportedly looking at players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aaron Hickey who can play at left-back, Nuno Tavares' future is certainly unclear. The defender's Arsenal future likely rests in the hands of Mikel Arteta and it is likely we will hear more about this situation in the coming weeks as the summer window develops.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Atalanta, Transfers
Evan Lloyd