But eight-and-a-half months later, Forest have confirmed on their club website that Tavares has reached the end of his loan spell at Forest, thanking him for his contribution and wishing him well for the future.
Forest evidently don’t intend to activate their purchase clause, and Tavares will instead return to Arsenal.
Nuno Tavares in training with Nottingham Forest this week
Nuno Tavares in training with Nottingham Forest this week
Tavares made 12 appearances for Forest over the course of the season, with eight in the Premier League and four in the FA Cup.
The 24-year-old appeared destined for a January recall in light of his poor relationship with ex-Forest boss Steve Cooper, but when Cooper was sacked for Nuno Espirito Santo, Tavares briefly got a reprieve.
It didn’t last, as his four starts in five games were followed by an injury. Tavares never returned to the starting lineup after that, despite getting fit.
The return to the team was just long enough for Arsenal to opt against a recall, but it’s been increasingly clear since January that Forest have no long-term plan for Tavares.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Nuno Tavares of Nottingham Forest leaves the pitch due to injury during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Manchester, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Nuno Tavares of Nottingham Forest leaves the pitch due to injury during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on September 23, 2023.
With Arsenal having various options at left-back, particularly with Jurrien Timber returning to fitness and Kieran Tierney also coming back from a loan, Tavares’ future probably lies away from the club.
It won’t be with Forest, but the Portugal u21 international will likely be on the market again this summer.
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