The European Championships is hitting its climax and with the conclusion of the competition, all focus will be shifted to club football, with transfers taking center stage. Arsenal has a host of players that need to be shipped out, and today’s post focuses of two of such players.
Since his arrival from Benfica, Nuno Tavares didn’t feel like he was up for it at an ambitious club like Arsenal. His debut campaign didn’t pan out as planned, and it was no surprise when Olymique Marseille came calling and Arsenal wasted no time in allowing the young Portuguese leave on loan. Despite the fact that Nuno Tavares had some good attacking prowess, his cons on the pitch outweighed his pros, as his occasional lapses in concentration, defensive frailties, poor positioning and funnily enough, homesickness, ensured that he was never going to be an established player in Arteta’s ranks.
Tavares enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Marseille, playing primarily as a left wing back, which favored his attacking impetus, rather than defending, allowing him to score six goals in 39 appearances. However, Marseille did not retain his services, and Tavares returned to North London, before moving out on loan to Nottingham Forest. Tavares time at Nottingham Forest was plagued with injuries and lack of playing time, as he played only 12 games for his gaffer.
Tavares returned to training with the lads in Marbella this summer and the latest installment of his departure chronicles has seen Italian outfit, SS Lazio, request for his services on loan, with an option to buy for another €7m.
Elsewhere, there’s a certain Albert Sambi Lokonga that has publicly declared his interest to leave Arsenal this summer following his return from an underwhelming spell at Luton Town. Lokonga struggled to nail a place at Arsenal, especially at the period when Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey departed for the AFCON. He was shipped out to Crystal Palace then Luton.
It has been reported that Sevilla have confirmed their interest in taking Lokonga on loan, with an option to buy, and I’m sure everyone connected with Arsenal will be elated with Lokonga and Tavares leaving.
Weldone to Edu Gaspar and the negotiations chums for facilitating these moves.
Sayonara.
