Nuno Tavares faces uncertain future at Arsenal after a disappointing loan spell at Marseille marked by inconsistent performances and issues off the pitch.

Montpellier's French defender Christopher Jullien (L) and Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (R) argue during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on January 2, 2023.  (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French defender Christopher Jullien (L) and Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (R) argue during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on January 2, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Nuno Tavares underperforms in 15 consecutive games, frustrating Marseille supporters.
  • Tavares’ work ethic questioned by coach Igor Tudor, straining their relationship.
  • Marseille president, Pablo Longoria, decides against negotiating with Arsenal to keep Tavares.

Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares’ future at the club appears uncertain after an underwhelming loan spell at Marseille this season where he was sent to prove himself.

TOPSHOT - Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes and Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (top) fall during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France on February 26, 2023.  (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Paris Saint-Germain’s Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes and Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (top) fall during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France on February 26, 2023.  (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

Struggling to find consistency for at least the last fifteen games, Tavares has left the Marseille faithful exasperated, with former player, Eric Di Meco, expressing his frustrations on the programme Football Club de Marseille.

“I have a problem with this boy because when you look at his season, he is absent from the big games. He has too many defensive weaknesses and unfortunately when you come across good players in front, it’s complicated,” Di Meco said.

Not only have his performances been criticised, but Tavares has also faced issues off the pitch.

Reports suggest that he’s had a falling out with Marseille coach Igor Tudor, who removed the Portuguese defender from a training session due to lack of effort.

This incident has reportedly led to a considerable deterioration in their relationship.

Montpellier's French defender Christopher Jullien (L) and Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (C) argue during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on January 2, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French defender Christopher Jullien (L) and Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (C) argue during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on January 2, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Tavares’ issues continued in a match against Auxerre, where Tudor displayed his anger towards the player for not putting in the necessary defensive effort. A recent match against Lens only added fuel to the fire, as Tavares failed to redeem himself.

According to La Provence, Marseille president Pablo Longoria has made the final decision not to negotiate with Arsenal to bring Tavares back to the French club. It seems that Tavares’ time at Marseille is coming to an end.

As Tavares prepares to return to Arsenal at the end of the season, questions remain about his future with the club.

With his inconsistent performances and issues off the field, it remains to be seen whether he can secure a place in the Gunners’ squad or if another loan spell awaits him.

Both Tavares and Arsenal will be pondering what comes next.

Tavres was signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2021 from S.L. Benfica. Born on January 26, 2000, in Lisbon, Portugal, Tavares began his football journey at a young age, eventually joining Benfica’s youth academy in 2015.

He progressed through the ranks at Benfica and made his debut for the senior team in the 2019-20 season. Tavares quickly made an impression with his strong attacking instincts, versatility, and ability to play as both a left-back and right-back. During his time at Benfica, he made a total of 41 appearances, scoring one goal and providing seven assists.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Nuno Tavares of Arsenal during the Pre Season Friendly between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Nuno Tavares of Arsenal during the Pre Season Friendly between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Tavares represented Portugal at various youth levels, including the Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 teams. His performances at Benfica caught the eye of several European clubs, including Arsenal, who were in search of a left-back to provide competition and cover for Kieran Tierney.

In July 2021, Arsenal announced the signing of Nuno Tavares on a long-term contract for a reported fee of around £7 million. Arsenal fans had high hopes for the young Portuguese defender, but his inconsistent performances and subsequent loan spell at Marseille have raised questions about his future at the club.