Arsenal Transfers: Gunners reportedly set Nuno Tavares price tag

Nuno Tavares endured a rough first year in north London, and there are now reports he could be on the move but the reported price tag is staggering.

Gunners left-back Nuno Tavares was a raw defender when Arsenal signed him last summer for €7.2m from Portuguese side Benfica.

The swashbuckling defender showed his capabilities at times with his marauding runs forward, often into dangerous positions, and even managed to get himself on the scoresheet against Manchester United.

He also had a knack for whipping dangerous balls into the box or going on a mazy run that set up a goal-scoring opportunity.

While he showed some excellent attacking attributes, defensively, he simply wasn’t at the level required for Mikel Arteta. Who can forget when he was yanked from Arsenal’s FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest in the 34th minute, a game the Gunners would lose 1-0.

Liverpool tormented the young defender at Anfield (he’s not alone here, mind). Passes would go astray in the defensive third and sometimes result directly in goals. Other times, he would be caught too square and easily played through or around.

Arsenal set Nuno Tavares price tag

With Arsenal reportedly interested in bringing in Bologna defender Aaron Hickey, it is thought that Tavares could be loaned out to get increased game time. Well, it has reportedly gone a step further.

According to Tutto Atalanta, the Gunners have slapped a €40m price tag on the left-back. No one in their right mind would fork out that kind of money for a player who was so inconsistent last season. Make of that price tag what you will.

However, it could be a ploy from the Gunners as teams around the globe might think that they can get a cut-price deal for the 22-year-old. It is doubtful that Arsenal would sell Tavares, given he was only signed last season, but a loan deal would be better suited.

If, by some miracle, a team was to offer the €40m, then, by all means, take it and run, but we all know that is highly unlikely.

Many of the Gunners faithful have already turned off Tavares after one season. While unfair, his performances did have the ability to infuriate and leave you in awe. The gap between his good games and his worst was vast. But again, he is a young, raw player who takes time to develop.

Whether that be on loan or as a backup for the Gunners remains to be seen, but surely he will not be sold for the reported fee.