Arsenal: "Exceptional" £17m star could face uncertain future at the Emirates | OneFootball

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·24 May 2022

Arsenal: "Exceptional" £17m star could face uncertain future at the Emirates

Article image:Arsenal: "Exceptional" £17m star could face uncertain future at the Emirates

Arsenal signing Scotland international Aaron Hickey could impact the future of Nuno Tavares, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Gunners have been linked with the Bologna left-back ahead of the summer window, and O’Rourke reckons that signing the teenager could leave Tavares’ Emirates career in doubt.


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What’s the latest news involving Hickey and Tavares?

According to reports in Italy, Mikel Arteta is interested in signing the 19-year-old, who’s been making strides since swapping the Scottish Premiership for Serie A in 2020.

Hickey has already made 48 appearances in total, scoring five goals, and chipping in with one assist.

As a result, Arteta is keen on his services, with the Arsenal boss seemingly still not totally convinced by 22-year-old Tavares, who endured a mixed first season in English football.

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Article image:Arsenal: "Exceptional" £17m star could face uncertain future at the Emirates

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He initially looked the real deal during the early stages of the season and was described by the Gunners manager as ‘exceptional‘. But mistakes started to creep into the youngster’s game as the campaign progressed, which resulted in him being hauled off at half-time on two occasions.

With Kieran Tierney out injured for long periods of the season, Tavares did make 28 appearances in total.

But O’Rourke reckons that signing Hickey this summer could “raise question marks” over his’ position at the club.

What did O’Rourke say about Hickey and Tavares?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “He could be a good signing; he’s got real potential, at a really good age as well.

I expect him to get better, but it would probably raise question marks over the future of Nuno Tavares if he does arrive as well.”

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Should Arsenal sell Tavares?

Despite a bright start in the early months of his Arsenal career, it quickly became apparent that the £17m-rated Portuguese star was not going to be the answer at left-back.

Tierney remains first choice, but his injury problems, which have seen him miss 48 games since joining the club less than three years ago, means that Arsenal’s backup at left-back has an important job on their hands.

And Tavares, who was noticeably poor against Crystal Palace last month, and in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, which ultimately cost the Gunners a top four finish, doesn’t appear up to the challenge.

Therefore, if Arsenal get a suitable offer for Tavares this summer, and Hickey is willing to return to British football, then it would represent a significant upgrade.

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