As summer transfers heat up, the North London club, Arsenal, has reportedly placed a considerable €25m price tag on left-back Nuno Tavares. This move comes amidst a flurry of activity for the Gunners, who recently secured Kai Havertz, are closing deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, and are now ready to shed some weight from their roster.
Although Tavares's performances in Arsenal colors have been sporadic, the club is not ready to let him go at a bargain. Despite a challenging loan period at Olympique Marseille in the second half of last season, the 23-year-old defender showed promise, sparking interest from several clubs. However, those looking to acquire Tavares should not expect a cheap deal, as Arsenal intends to secure a significant return on their investment.
The club's steadfast stance on the defender's fee is a result of his potential and market appeal. Tavares's stint in France started brightly, despite later inconsistency, fueling belief that he could flourish in a new environment. "Nuno might not have met our expectations consistently, but he has the talent to thrive in a less daunting setting," an Arsenal insider said.
West Ham United has shown interest in Tavares, following reports that Arsenal and the Hammers agreed on a deal for Declan Rice. However, the defender's price tag, combined with his wait for a "more prestigious" club, may complicate this transfer. Rumors also link Turkish club Galatasaray with Tavares, who continues to be under contract at Emirates Stadium for another two seasons.
The €25m price tag set by Arsenal triples the initial amount paid for Tavares in 2021, further demonstrating the club's intent to profit from its investments. Despite Tavares being relegated further down the roster after Oleksandr Zinchenko joined last summer, the Portuguese defender's raw talent keeps attracting interest.
Tavares' statistics reveal his value: he's in the top 98th percentile for completed take-ons and the 95th for progressive carries among Ligue 1 left-backs last season. If the London club stands firm on their asking price, it could mean serious negotiations for interested parties, especially considering the player's agent has recently expressed Tavares's wish to remain at Arsenal.
With several clubs courting Tavares, the Gunners are in no rush to sell. As they plan to refine their team further, interested buyers will have to meet their terms to secure this promising left-back's services.