Arsenal Defender Set to Benefit from Steve Cooper’s Sacking Amid £12m Windfall Hope

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Arsenal is facing a shortage in defense due to injuries to Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Thomas Partey, leaving Mikel Arteta with just six senior defenders. Cedric Soares, one among them, is likely to leave in January, with Villarreal showing interest.

Earlier in the season, Partey played as a right-back until Ben White took over. However, Arteta might consider bringing in another defender in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Nuno Tavares, a Portuguese youth international on loan at Nottingham Forest from Arsenal, is a player who might have been overlooked by fans.

Tavares hasn’t made much of an impact at Forest and has struggled to earn trust under the leadership of Steve Cooper.

Now, with Cooper set to be replaced, Nuno Espirito Santo. A former manager of Tottenham and Wolves, among others, is linked with the position.

There’s a possibility that if Nuno takes charge at Forest, he might give Tavares another chance to prove himself. Arsenal might be keen on seeing Tavares in action as the chances of him returning to the Gunners appear slim.

By summer, Timber is expected to recover from injury, having previously been deployed as a left-back. Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, and Kiwior also got chances in that position, while Sousa’s performances in the youth team have caught attention.

Tavares’ departure from Arsenal happened late in the summer transfer window, causing some frustration. Despite moving to Nottingham Forest on loan, his playing time has been limited. The anticipated £12 million windfall from a permanent deal now seems less likely due to his lack of appearances.

For Tavares to get another opportunity, Arsenal would need to negotiate an early end to his loan with Forest, who have no recall option in their agreement. This step would allow Arsenal to find him a new club, should any interest arise.

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