Arsenal Transfers: Nuno Tavares nearing Atalanta loan

Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares is edging towards a loan move to Atalanta, according to reports in Italy. 

It’s become apparent that the club are keen to loan the young Portuguese defender out this summer after he endured a mixed debut campaign at the Emirates. Kieran Tierney’s injury woes meant he earned more minutes than Mikel Arteta would’ve liked to have given him, but he did tease his talent, especially going forward, on occasions.

Tavares boasts an impressive skill set and it’s no surprise to see him garner plenty of loan interest this summer. However, some have questioned whether he has the mentality to reach the highest level.

Nevertheless, a temporary move away from the high-pressure environment that is the Emirates should allow him to mature and develop.

Atalanta edging closer to securing Nuno Tavares loan

https://twitter.com/DiMarzio/status/1550580405191020547

The likes of Marseille and Brighton have been interested in signing Tavares on loan this summer, but Atalanta currently appear to be leading the race.

According to the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, La Dea are closing in on securing a dry loan for the 22-year-old which means that no buy-option will be included in the deal. He’ll return to Arsenal at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival thrust Tavares down Arsenal’s left-back pecking order, and while he’d likely earn some minutes in cup competitions and the Europa League next season, he needs to be playing regularly if he is to develop.

While I was an advocate of the raw Portuguese defender staying in the Premier League and joining Brighton, Atalanta certainly isn’t a bad alternative. La Dea have a hole at left wing-back following the departure of Robin Gosens in January, and Tavares would likely emerge as Gian Piero Gasperini’s first-choice option down the left should he complete a move.

The 22-year-old will learn plenty about wing-back play under the brilliant Gasperini, and he should evolve into a much smarter footballer playing in the slower but more calculated Serie A. Overall, this is a move that suits all parties, but Tavares must embrace his complex function in Gasperini’s fluid system.