Arsenal transfer news: Nuno Tavares future unclear with Arteta considering two distinct options

Arsenal are reportedly considering sending Nuno Tavares on loan but also think a leading role in the Europa League could help him.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has focused on the full-back area as a key area of recruitment since taking charge. He first of all signed Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton, before making his move permanent.

Last summer, meanwhile, Tavares arrived from Benfica and Takehiro Tomiyasu left Bologna for north London.

Tomiyasu has become Arsenal‘s first-choice right-back, while Cedric is the Japanese’s understudy.

Tavares, though, came in and out of the first team in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium.

As such, The Athletic reports that Arsenal are considering sending him out on loan. Gunners chiefs think a fresh start elsewhere would help progress his career by giving him a new experience.

However, Arteta has also discussed the idea of Tavares staying and featuring heavily in the Europa League next season.

Kieran Tierney is the first-choice left-back in the Premier League, but Arsenal will be playing a Thursday-Sunday routine after missing out on a top-four place.

There is therefore another school of thought at Arsenal that Tavares could be the first-choice Europa League left-back.

Should he help lead the Gunners through to the knock-out stages, his stock at the club and with Arteta would undoubtedly rise and help him get further first-team minutes.

Should Tavares go out on loan, though, The Athletic adds that Arsenal will put off signing a replacement until January.

Indeed, they would feel confident having Tierney, who is working his way back to fitness, Tomiyasu and Cedric as options at full-back.

Rob Holding has also played right-back earlier in his career and so could fill in if needed.

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