Di Marzio report that Atalanta have set their sights on Nuno Tavares of Arsenal this summer. However, Arsenal are asking for either a straight loan with no option to buy, or an obligation to buy at €40m (£34m)....CONTINUE READING
Arsenal only brought Tavares to the club last summer, signing him from Benfica for around £7m.
But after 28 appearances this season and given he’s on a long-term contract, the Gunners clearly feel his value has significantly increased.
Atalanta aren’t so sure, and Di Marzio report the Serie A club aren’t keen on a straight loan or a €40m clause.
For the time being, that makes a move appear unlikely, but there’s a long way to go this summer. If Atalanta or Arsenal change their stance as the window progresses, a transfer could still go through.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Nuno Tavares of Arsenal controls the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2021 in London, England.
The fact that Arsenal are open to a loan at all perhaps increases the likelihood of a serious move for Aaron Hickey.
Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with an attempt to sign the Scottish left-back, but it didn’t feel like a priority whilst Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares were both at the club with promising youngster Lino Sousa in the u23s.
If Tavares leaves on loan, however, then a gap opens up for a new signing like Hickey to challenge for the first-team spot.
