Arsenal defender set to join Marseille on loan

Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares is set to join Marseille on a season long loan deal, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Portuguese joined the Gunners from Benfica last summer, and he was tipped to provide quality back-up to Kieran Tierney.

He started off his career in a bright fashion, but struggled during the back end of the season. His defensive weaknesses were exploited.

The Gunners have now agreed to loan him out to Marseille for the season after signing Oleksandr Zinchenko as his replacement.

Atalanta were also keen on landing Tavares with a buy option, but Arsenal made it clear that they don't want to lose him permanently.

William Saliba made a big impression at Marseille on loan last summer, and the Gunners will be hoping that Tavares makes similar progress.

Tavares looked out of sorts during the second half of last season, but there is the belief that he could still have a big career ahead at Arsenal.