‘Yes, obviously’: 24-year-old Portuguese Wants to Stay at Arsenal Amid Exit Rumors

Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares has expressed his desire to remain with Arsenal next season, despite rumors suggesting he could leave on a free transfer.

The left-back, who joined the Gunners from Benfica in the summer of 2021, had a challenging debut season, often struggling with defensive errors.

Tavares’ Loan Spells and Future Ambitions

Due to his inconsistent performances, Tavares was loaned out to Marseille for the 2022/23 season and subsequently to Nottingham Forest last summer.

Despite having the option to purchase him, Forest decided against it due to his limited impact over the season.

As Tavares prepares to report for pre-season training with Arsenal, he expressed his eagerness to secure a spot in the team.

Speaking to Record, he stated, “Yes, obviously, I have in mind to return to Arsenal and have a good pre-season. Regardless of what happens in the future, I will always do my best, as I have done in all pre-seasons, to have a place at the club.”

Tavares emphasized his strong mentality and commitment to his work, saying, “I always try to do my work in the best way. Then it’s up to the club to decide whether I’m a valid option or not. But I have a strong mentality. I know what I’m capable of. Sometimes things don’t depend on us, but my job is to focus on myself and do what I do best.”

Tavares Unlikely to Stay with Arsenal Next Season

Although Tavares has expressed his hopes of staying, it seems unlikely given the current competition for the left-back position at Arsenal.

His contract with the Gunners runs until the summer of 2025, with an option for the club to extend it for another year.

However, Arsenal may consider selling him this summer to secure a decent transfer fee without the pressure of an impending contract expiration.

Reports indicate that Lazio and Ajax are interested in the 24-year-old, and Arsenal will likely aim to recoup the £6.8 million they spent on him.

Despite Tavares’ optimism about his future with the Gunners, the vast competition for places at left-back makes his stay improbable.

Arsenal’s Defensive Depth and Transfer Plans

Arsenal’s left-back position is highly competitive, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jurrien Timber among the regular options.

The club is also close to signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, who is expected to become the first-choice left-back next season.

Additionally, Kieran Tierney, although currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, adds to the depth in the position.

Given this intense competition, Tavares might be on his way out.

Arsenal could exclude him from their US pre-season tour to facilitate a summer exit, allowing him to sort out his future with interested clubs.

In summary, while Nuno Tavares is keen to prove himself and secure a spot at Arsenal, the club’s transfer plans and depth in the left-back position suggest that his time with the Gunners may be coming to an end.