Though Marseille and Atalanta are showing interest in a loan for Nuno Tavares, the defender is likely to remain unless Arsenal make a signing first.

Goal report that Nuno Tavares’ future is directly linked to Arsenal’s incomings. If Arsenal succeed in making a left-sided defensive signing, Tavares could go on loan, but if not, he’s expected to stay.

This is similar to a recent report from David Ornstein, who wrote that Marseille want a loan, and Arsenal will consider sanctioning it as long as they can recruit a player in that area – likely Lisandro Martinez.

Di Marzio had also reported that Atalanta had set their sights on Tavares this summer, though their director suggested it wasn’t an easy transfer.

“I’ve followed Tavares since he was playing for Benfica’s youth team, he’s a strong player,” Lee Congerton said.

“But Tavares is under contract with Arsenal – and it’s really difficult to sign players from Premier League clubs.”

Arsenal only brought Tavares to the club last summer, signing him from Benfica for around £7m.

After 28 appearances this season, Arsenal are clearly open to giving the defender the chance to play more regularly on loan, but they can’t go into the new season with just Kieran Tierney.

This is one to keep an eye on as the window progresses.