"Suit him better..." - Arteta told to convert Arsenal defender into a forward next season

Arsenal have been urged to convert left back Nuno Tavares into a more attacking role upon his return from loan.

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

However, regular questions have been asked of the 21-year-old's defensive capabilities.

Tavares came under fire following a poor 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.

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

Arsenal urged to change Tavares' position

However, French football expert Jonathan Johnson reckons he may be more useful higher up the field.

“Generally speaking he’s had a pretty good season,” Johnson told CaughtOffside.

“He’s an interesting player in that many people consider him a left-back. But he’s very attack-minded, has six goals this season and some of them very nice finishes as well.

“He reminds me a little of Layvin Kurzawa when he was coming through at Monaco.

“I wonder if a conversion to a more attacking role might suit him better and help get the best out of his abilities, instead of trying to turn him into a full-back or wing-back.

“Freeing him from those defensive responsibilities could turn him into a really interesting player, I think.”

Tavares is due to return to the Emirates following the culmination of the season.

Although, he has been rumoured with an exit, with Arteta allegedly keen to add a new left back to his ranks this summer.

Tavares signed for the Gunners from Benfica in July 2021 to originally provide competition for Kieran Tierney.

However, the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko has obscured his path to the first team, with Tavares also 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."

Topics: Arsenal, Marseille, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League, Ligue 1

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno