According to Fabrizio Romano, Olympique de Marseille are still pushing to sign Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares (23), however, Nottingham Forest’s unwillingness to free the Portuguese defender could throw a spanner in the works.
Despite already signing Ulisses Garcia from Young Boys, Marseille have been in the market for another left-back since Renan Lodi’s move to Al-Hilal earlier in the transfer window. Multiple players have been targeted, including Stade Rennais’ Adrien Truffert, Stade Brestois’ Bradley Locko, RB Leipzig’s Angeliño, Tavares and FC Nantes’ Quentin Merlin.
As per reports from L’Équipe and Foot Mercato, OM are nearing a move for Merlin, although a deal is yet to be struck. However, Romano has now revealed that Marseille are continuing to push to sign Tavares, who spent last season on loan with Les Phocéens.
The deal could be scuppered by Nottingham Forest, who currently have the player on loan from Arsenal. Despite the Portuguese full-back being used sparingly so far, Nuno Espírito Santo is unwilling to let the player go before the end of the season, at which point Tavares’ loan spell will end. Arsenal did not include a recall clause in the loan deal, and as a result, Tavares’ route back to the Vélodrome is currently blocked.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
