Nuno Tavares representatives arrive in London for talks – Aston Villa may be set for a boost in their pursuit of Arsenal left-back

As the transfer market heads towards its close, Aston Villa‘s search for a new left-sided full-back may be turning towards Arsenal.

With their top target, Marcos Acuna, suffering an injury and awaiting tests to determine its severity, an alternative option may be emerging.

  • Nuno Tavares’ representatives have arrived in London for talks, signalling a possible move to Aston Villa.
  • Villa’s top target, Marcos Acuna, is out due to an injury, leading to increased interest in Tavares.
  • Aston Villa may face competition for Tavares, with Unai Emery actively seeking a left-sided full-back.
Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique de Marseille and Toulouse FC at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on December 29, 2022. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique de Marseille and Toulouse FC at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on December 29, 2022. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Tavares – A Potential Fit for Villa

The 23-year-old Nuno Tavares appears to be poised to exit the Emirates Stadium ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Tavares, who joined Arsenal from Benfica two years ago, is now linked with a move to Aston Villa. The left-back is reportedly available either on a permanent basis or an initial loan, with a purchase clause included.

According to Sky Sports, Tavares’ representatives have arrived in London for talks with Arsenal, and these discussions are “expected to lead” to his exit from the Gunners this month.

The negotiations could open up a potential opportunity for Unai Emery and his team at Villa.

Villa’s Plan B

Nuno Tavares with the Portugal u21s (Photo via Planet Football)
Nuno Tavares with the Portugal u21s (Photo via Planet Football)

After losing out on Marcos Acuna due to his recent injury while playing for Sevilla, Villa seems to be speeding up the decision-making process over Tavares’ future.

Sky Sports reported: “Villa are cited as ‘one of the clubs’ interested, suggesting Emery could face competition for his signature.” The choice now remains with Villa on how to proceed with the potential acquisition, and it remains to be seen which option they would prefer.

Nottingham Forest’s Lost Opportunity

Adding to the intrigue, fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest had been in talks to sign Tavares earlier this summer.

However, the negotiations broke down after an agreement couldn’t be reached.

Emery’s Challenge

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, reacts prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on February 12, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, reacts prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on February 12, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The pursuit of Tavares comes as Emery faces the challenge of finding a new left-sided full-back that fits into his vision for Aston Villa.

With the sudden unavailability of World Cup winner Acuna, Tavares emerges as a potentially valuable asset to the team.

This situation may also be seen as a window of opportunity for Tavares himself.

Having played for Arsenal, he is well-acquainted with English football, and a move to Villa could be a fresh start for the young defender.

Conclusion

With the deadline looming, Aston Villa’s pursuit of Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares may be a significant development in this transfer window.

The arrival of Tavares’ representatives in London and the opening of talks with Arsenal point towards a potentially decisive move. Villa’s interest in the player as an alternative to Marcos Acuna could indeed signal an imminent boost in their quest for a left-back.

Whether Tavares will indeed don the Villa shirt or whether the club will look elsewhere remains to be seen.

What is clear is that Emery’s pursuit of a new left-sided full-back is in full swing, and Tavares may just be the missing piece to the puzzle.

The coming days are sure to provide more clarity on this exciting development in the English football transfer market.