Nottingham Forest confirm loan signing of Arsenal defender
- Tavares has joined Forest on loan with a view to a permanent transfer
- Left-back spent last season on loan with Marseille
- Tavares had plenty of interest from elsewhere
By Tom Gott
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares on an initial loan deal.
Tavares spent last season on loan with Marseille and publicly admitted his disappointment that the deal did not include an option for a future transfer.
Having returned to Arsenal in the summer, the 23-year-old was quickly made available for transfer and clubs from across Europe voiced an interest. Forest were among the earliest suitors but their move appeared to stall, allowing rival suitors to join in.
Aston Villa made contact over a potential deal, while Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg both contemplated taking Tavares to Germany, but Forest managed to reignite their pursuit and have now struck a deal.
Tavares moves to the City Ground on an initial loan which, unlike his stint with Marseille, includes the option for a permanent transfer.
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"I'm really happy to be here," Tavares told Forest media. "Forest is an historic club which won two European Cups and to be part of it makes me really happy.
"I'm really happy to stay in the Premier League as it's the best league in the world and I'm thankful to Forest for giving me that opportunity."
Forest's chief football officer, Ross Wilson, added: "We are pleased to welcome Nuno to the club today. I know how determined he is to do well here and our staff are all looking forward to working with him."
Steve Cooper's side are expected to be busy on deadline day, with a move for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi one of several deals nearing completion.
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