Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of sending left-back Nuno Tavares out on loan for the 2022-23 season.
The 22-year-old signed for a £7.2m fee from Benfica in the summer of 2021 and ended his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium with 28 senior appearances under his belt.
Tavares scored one goal in a 3-1 win over Manchester United as well as providing two assists last term, but his performances led to mixed reviews from fans and pundits alike.
Tavares made a total of 13 Premier League starts amid Kieran Tierney's injury woes, although one of them ended with a half-time substitution during the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace back in April.
The left-back was also given the nod from the start against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, but he was taken off after just 35 minutes following a poor display.
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According to The Athletic, Arsenal have spoken about the possibility of a temporary move away for the Portugal Under-21 international as they begin to shape the squad for the 2022-23 season.
The report adds that Arsenal would be loath to search for a replacement before January, but the need for depth could see Tavares stay and gain experience in the Europa League.
Tierney is expected to recover from his knee operation in time to return for Arsenal's pre-season, and the Scotland international would demote Tavares back down to the bench when fit again.
Tavares remains under contract with Arsenal until 2025 with the option of a further year, and the Gunners are still being tipped to sign Bologna's Aaron Hickey or Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco to bolster their defensive ranks.
Right-back Hector Bellerin is expected to depart, but Arsenal chiefs are reportedly happy with the work that Cedric Soares has done as Takehiro Tomiyasu's understudy.
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Arteta has also affirmed that William Saliba "has to come back" following the conclusion of his loan spell at Marseille, who are still interested in signing the centre-back permanently.
Pablo Mari and Lucas Torreira's proposed permanent moves to Udinese and Fiorentina are hanging in the balance, though, and the Gunners will keep hold of Mohamed Elneny for at least one more year following his recent extension.
Youri Tielemans is understood to be a top midfield target for the Gunners, who are set to announce a new contract for striker Eddie Nketiah following his strong end to the campaign.
Alexandre Lacazette will head out of the door as a free agent, though, with the 31-year-old reported to have agreed a return to Lyon after a five-year stint in North London.
Gabriel Jesus, Tammy Abraham, Victor Osimhen and Gianluca Scamacca are all options to replace the departing Lacazette as Arsenal aim to return to the Champions League for the 2023-24 season.
Ben Knapton
