‘Deal agreed’ - Latest Arsenal transfer ‘completed’ as Mikel Arteta ‘sanctions’ another departure

Arsenal have agreed to send Nuno Tavares on loan to Nottingham Forest for the duration of the 2023-24 season, according to reports.

The 23-year-old joined Arsenal in 2021 from Benfica, signing a long-term deal for a reported £8million transfer fee. He spent last season on loan in Ligue 1 with Marseille as he scored six goals in 39 appearances from defence.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports a loan fee above £1m has been agreed between the clubs with the deal including a £12m option to buy. A medical was scheduled for Tuesday.

Tavares has played just 28 times for the Gunners since his move from Benfica. He wanted his loan to Marseille to include an option to buy but Arteta would not agree to the possibility of the player leaving on a permanent basis.

Forest have won one of their opening three Premier League games after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend before beating newly-promoted Sheffield United 2-1 at the City Ground on August 18.

They have had a tough start to the campaign with trips to Arsenal and most recently Manchester United, where they lost 3-2 in controversial circumstances after taking a 2-0 lead, as they had a man sent off and then conceded a penalty.

Meanwhile, Luton Town have emerged as contenders for Arsenal defender Rob Holding after Arteta agreed to let the player leave the Gunners this window.

That is per a report from the Evening Standard, with the Hatters wanting to sign Holding on loan. He has been left out of Arsenal’s squad for each of their three league games so far this term.

Wolves and Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest. A number of departures could happen at Arsenal before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline with Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares and Nicolas Pepe also free to leave the club this window.