Marseille make ‘loan offer with option to buy’ for 22-year-old Arsenal defender
Ligue 1 side Marseille have reportedly offered to take Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares on loan with an option to buy included in the deal.
The 22-year-old left-back joined from Benfica last summer and had an inconsistent maiden campaign in England.
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He was signed to provide cover for Kieran Tierney, and the Scottish international struggled with injuries throughout 2021/22, meaning Tavares played frequently.
The young Portuguese performed in fits and starts but overall had a tough season. He was notably hauled off before half-time during the club’s FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal could send Tavares on loan, however, with a number of clubs thought to be exploring that possibility.
According to Foot Mercato, Marseille have made an offer to the Gunners. The Ligue 1 outfit are looking to sign the former Benfica man on loan with an option to buy.
Already in the mood 😎🌞 pic.twitter.com/fHAfQYqpec
— Nuno Tavares (@NunoTavares) June 12, 2022
Marseille signed Bosnian left-back Sead Kolasinac in January after he was released by the Premier League side.
Arsenal are yet to respond to the offer for Tavares but are ‘open’ to letting him leave on loan this summer.
Another team reportedly in for the Portugal under-21 defender is Atalanta.
Speaking earlier this week, Atalanta director Lee Congerton commented on Tavares, saying that he has followed the player since he was playing for Benfica at youth level.
He said (quotes via Fabrizio Romano): “I follow Tavares since he was playing for Benfica’s youth team, he’s a strong player. But Tavares’ under contract with Arsenal – and it’s really difficult to sign players from Premier League clubs.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal have ‘dumped’ Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin from their shortlist as they are close to finalising a deal for Man City’s Gabriel Jesus, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Gunners are ‘ready to shelve a move’ for Calvert-Lewin after ‘having second thoughts about the Everton star’, who was ‘high on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist’.
‘Doubts’ about the striker’s ‘form and fitness’ mean Arsenal are ‘yet to act on their long-term interest’ and that was before they were told that Jesus would be available this summer.