ANOTHER Premier League club enter race for Arsenal star - Fabrizio Romano

Cameron Smith

20 Aug 2023 18:22 BST
3 min read

Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares is now being chased by Aston Villa following the collapse of his proposed move to Nottingham Forest.

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The Portuguese left-back spent last season on loan at Marseille and did not feature in Arsenal’s matchday squad for their opening day victory over Nottingham Forest on 12 August amid links with an exit.

Forest were heavily interested in signing the 23-year-old, but the move stalled and Steve Cooper’s side now look set to abandon their plans to sign Tavares.

As a result, that has opened the door for Aston Villa, who are now pursuing a move as they look to bolster their backline, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer expert has reported that personal terms have not yet been discussed, and it remains up to Villa and Arsenal to agree a deal. Romano has revealed that Tavares is seen as an alternative to Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna, who is also a transfer target.

Tavares made 39 appearances in all competitions for Marseille last season and scored six goals in a productive campaign from left wing-back.

Lucas Digne to leave Villa?

Interest in Tavares has come following news that Lucas Digne could be heading towards the exit door at Villa Park.

© ProShots - Aston Villa want to sign Nuno Tavares

RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins has reported that Digne is nearing an agreement to join Ligue 1 side Nice as they look to sign the Frenchman on loan with an option to buy.

Digne has started Aston Villa’s opening two Premier League matches of the 2023-24 season as first-choice left-back Alex Moreno recovers from injury.

Melvin Bard has started at left-back in Nice’s first two Ligue 1 games of the new campaign - successive 1-1 draws against Lille and Lorient.

Villa have signed Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Zaniolo (loan) so far this summer, while Marvelous Nakamba and Ashley Young have left on permanent deals. Six players have left the club on loan.