3 loan players Arsenal should sell in the summer

3. Nuno Tavares

Out of all possible sales, Arsenal might stand to profit the most on Nuno Tavares. The left-back is currently out on loan at Marseille and his time there has been mixed. He has, however, played the majority of games and has even scored six goals. His value has certainly increased since his poor first season at Arsenal. Abject performances and early substitutions sealed his fate before he was shipped out. Since then, the team has evolved quickly in a matter of months.

While Kieran Tierney and Tavares fought for their place in the starting lineup, with both providing athleticism and attacking threat, Arteta has altered the role. Zinchenko’s arrival has seen the position of left back change from defender to midfielder. The full-back now plays in the left half-space, connecting defence and attack. Tavares’ security on the ball in the attacking third was already an area of concern. Giving him more responsibility for building up play would only be disastrous. For all of his positive qualities, he has never been technically safe in possession.

Arteta continues to look at possible options for a fleet-footed, graceful defender to move into midfield when his team has the ball. This strategy, along with Jakub Kiwior’s rapid integration, signals Tavares’ sale come the summer.

Arsenal have recruited well in recent years. Exciting young talent has been nurtured at the club, with the technical ceiling of the team being raised rapidly. Arteta’s philosophy is on full display in every game. Although this comes at the cost of making tough decisions on once-integral players, it is the only way forward.