Arteta 'often annoyed' by one Arsenal star's 'behaviour' - that's why he was sent out on loan

Mikel Arteta was 'often annoyed' by Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares, according to reports.

The Portuguese left-back has spent the season on loan at Olympique Marseille, where he has scored an impressive six goals, helping his side to second place in the league.

However, Tavares came under fire following his performance during Marseille's 3-0 defeat to Paris-Saint-Germain at the weekend.

Marseille boss Igor Tudor initially deployed him on the right-hand side, but decided to switch him back to the left flank in the second half, with the player struggling defensively.

Arteta was 'annoyed' by Tavares

French news outlet L'Equipe claimed he 'seemed lost on the pitch' against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

The report also stated that Mikel Arteta and his staff were ‘often annoyed with his behaviour’, and that’s why they agreed to let him go on loan to Marseille.

It's not the first time the player's defensive capabilities have been questioned, whilst his attitude has also been a problem in the past.

Tavares was shown a red card for senselessly kicking Montpellier defender Arnaud Souquet in the 85th minute, despite his side leading 2-0.

Tudor confirmed after the game that the 23-year-old would receive a 'big fine' following the incident.

Arteta was also branded ruthless for substituting the defender before half-time during Arsenal's FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest last season.

Tavares was spotted throwing his gloves in disgust at the substitution, whilst Arteta maintained it was a decision he 'had to make'.

The Portugal Under-21 international signed for the Gunners from Benfica last summer to originally provide competition for Kieran Tierney.

However, the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko won't make his path to the first team any easier, with Tavares thought to want a permanent move to Marseille.

Speaking in an interview with RMC Sport (quotes via Daily Mirror), Tavares said: "When signing with OM, I wanted to have an option [for them] to buy, but Arsenal refused. With my agents, we always wanted this purchase option, but Arsenal didn't."