Nottingham Forest signed Nuno Tavares from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, with the player signing on transfer deadline day. However, there was a time when it looked as though the player might have other ideas.
According to The Athletic, the Portugal under-21 defender did initially have reservations. He was keen not to rush into a move to Forest and that’s why the deal took so long to get completed in the summer.
It was 10am on transfer deadline day when Tavares was finally unveiled. The Reds have signed the Gunners performer on loan for the season but that deal could be made permanent should he impress.
Forest loanee Tavares signed for Arsenal in 2021. Things haven’t really gone according to plan for the player at the Emirates Stadium, with the 23-year-old making just 28 appearances for the club.
Last season saw him star on loan at Marseille as they finished third in Ligue 1. He scored six times from the left-sided wing-back role, making 39 appearances in France.
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The Ligue 1 outfit replaced Tavares with Renan Lodi. The 25-year-old signed for the outfit after spending last season on loan at the City Ground.
Forest signing Tavares held reservations about move
At 23-years-old, the defender looks like a talented player. He played for Portugal at the European Under-21 Championships in the summer and gave a good account of himself.
He will have his sights set on senior international football. First, Tavares must oust Ola Aina and get himself in the Forest team after the international break.
Tavares didn’t give a good account of himself on his only other appearance involving Forest. He was subbed after 30 minutes as Forest beat Arsenal in the FA Cup in 2022.
Still, he shouldn’t be judged solely on that. He’s a bright young talent and Steve Cooper will surely relish the chance to get the best out of him.