Arsenal are considering sending left-back Nuno Tavares out on loan this summer as Mikel Arteta plans how to take his side to the next level in 2022/23.
With European football returning to the Emirates Stadium this season the pressure is on to ensure the Gunners strike the right balance in terms of squad depth. That will mean strengthening throughout the squad including in defence.
While Kieran Tierney has impressed since arriving from Celtic, injuries have hampered the Scot throughout his Arsenal career to date. Last season, that meant Tavares stepping in but the Portuguese frequently looked out of his depth when thrown into the starting XI.
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As a result, Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, valued at £25million by CIES Observatory, has been targeted. The Scotland international scored five goals in Serie A last season and is capable of playing across the defence as well as in midfield. On Wednesday, he turned out for Scotland as they were beaten by Ukraine in a World Cup play-off.
Arsenal were told how promising a player he is by Graeme Souness, who said on Sky Sports ahead of kick-off: "I am really interested to see how this young man does, if you’ve played 36 games this year in Serie A, then you have something about you. It's not an easy league."
According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal are considering sending Tavares out on loan, a move that could clear space in Arteta's squad and with Hickey targeted, the chase could be accelerated in the coming weeks.
