Arsenal fullback Nuno Tavares has joined Serie A club Lazio on a loan deal with a mandatory buy clause. The 24-year-old had dropped to the fringes of the squad, and a future at the Emirates Stadium looked bleak for the defender. The Gunners will receive €9 million as part of the deal and have also included a sell-on clause once the move is made permanent at the end of the season. Tavares will be contracted with Lazio until 2029.
Tavares came through the youth ranks of Benfica, making 25 appearances for the first team before Arsenal signed him for a fee of £8 million. Arteta was initially impressed with the fullback’s attacking abilities, and Tavares went on to make 22 appearances for the Gunners in his debut season. However, there were major weaknesses in Tavares’ game, particularly in his defensive work. The 24-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan, with stints at Marseille and Nottingham Forest.
The move makes sense as Tavares didn’t fit into Arteta’s plans. There were already too many left-backs in the squad, with Tavares arguably last in the pecking order. His wing-back role, coupled with a lack of tactical fluidity, was a mismatch with the Gunners’ tactical style.
Lazio Announce the Arrival of Tavares
On their official website, Lazio announced the arrival of Nuno Tavares, stating:
“The S.S. Lazio announces that it has acquired on a temporary basis with a redemption obligation upon the occurrence of particular sporting conditions the right to the sporting performance of the footballer Nuno Albertino Varela Tavares from Arsenal FC.”
Arsenal Confirm Tavares’ Departure
The Gunners confirmed Tavares’ departure in an official statement on their website, saying:
“Nuno Tavares has joined Serie A side Lazio on a season-long loan. This step in Nuno’s career is a great opportunity to develop further by gaining valuable experience in Serie A and Italian football. Everyone at Arsenal wishes Nuno all the best this coming season with Lazio.
The loan deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
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