Arsenal Football Club has taken the first decisive step in what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window, with the confirmed departure of Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares. Following a successful loan spell at Lazio, the Italian side is expected to exercise their option to make the move permanent, marking the first major business of Arsenal’s transfer summer.
This transfer not only concludes Tavares’ mixed tenure in North London but also signals the start of what could be a transformational summer for Mikel Arteta’s squad. With multiple departures anticipated and reinforcements expected, Arsenal is positioning itself for another run at silverware in the upcoming season.
Nuno Tavares’ Time at Arsenal: A Brief Overview
From Benfica to North London
Nuno Tavares joined Arsenal from Benfica in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £8 million. At the time, he was seen as a promising attacking left-back with pace, athleticism, and the ability to challenge Kieran Tierney for a spot in the starting lineup. Tavares made an immediate impression with his powerful forward runs and energy, but defensive lapses and inconsistency often overshadowed his raw talent.
A Rollercoaster Start
During his debut season, Tavares showed promise in matches against Newcastle and Aston Villa but also struggled in key moments—most notably in the heavy defeat to Crystal Palace and a nervy performance against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. These fluctuations led Arteta to opt for more experienced or positionally sound options during critical matches.
Loan Spells to Rebuild Confidence
Realizing the need for regular playing time, Arsenal sent Tavares on loan to Marseille for the 2022–23 season, where he continued to demonstrate his attacking flair. While he scored multiple goals and delivered some stand-out performances in Ligue 1, consistency remained an issue.
In 2023, he moved again, this time to Lazio on a season-long loan, where things finally began to click.
Breakout Season at Lazio
A New Chapter in Serie A
At Lazio, Tavares found the consistency and maturity that had previously eluded him. Deployed as a wing-back in a more fluid system, he was able to focus on his strengths: pace, crossing ability, and attacking movement. Lazio’s tactical setup allowed him to operate higher up the pitch with greater freedom, minimizing the defensive duties that had troubled him at Arsenal.
Contributing on the Offensive Front
The Portuguese international finished the Serie A season with eight assists, an impressive tally for a defender. Only established stars like Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku recorded more. His link-up play, overlapping runs, and accurate deliveries into the box became vital components of Lazio’s attacking arsenal.
Tavares was not only effective in creating chances but also became a consistent outlet on the flank, stretching opposition defenses and creating space for teammates. These performances made it an easy decision for Lazio to trigger the buy clause included in his loan deal.
Professional Growth and Market Value
Perhaps the most important development over his season in Italy was Tavares’ growth in maturity and game intelligence. He cut down on the rash tackles and positional errors that marred his Arsenal performances. Lazio fans and Italian media alike praised his evolution, some even likening his playing style to legendary full-backs who combined flair with tactical awareness.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito reportedly values Tavares significantly higher than the €7–8 million buyout fee, seeing the potential for a future resale in the region of €40–60 million. Whether they choose to keep him or sell him immediately for profit, the Italian side clearly see Tavares as a valuable asset.
Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy: Long-Term Thinking
The Sell-On Clause Advantage
Arsenal have made it a habit to include strategic sell-on clauses in transfer and loan deals. In the case of Tavares, the deal with Lazio reportedly includes a sell-on clause worth up to 25 percent. This ensures that Arsenal stands to benefit financially if Lazio decides to sell the player on at a profit.
Such clauses have already proved profitable for Arsenal. Last summer, they earned £2 million from Mark McGuinness’ transfer from Cardiff to Luton. Similar windfalls came when Omari Hutchinson left Chelsea for Ipswich and when Mika Biereth joined Monaco after a stint in Austria.
This trend reflects the club’s growing emphasis on long-term squad and financial planning—maximizing value from every asset, whether or not they remain in the first team.
Smart Squad Management
By finalizing this transfer early in the window, Arsenal also demonstrate their intent to manage their squad efficiently and early. This allows them to focus on incomings and avoid being caught in late-window scrambles.
The revenue from Tavares’ sale—and potentially more sales to come—will feed into the club’s transfer kitty, giving Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar greater flexibility when pursuing high-profile targets.
Who Could Follow Tavares Out the Door?
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney, once a fan favorite and starting left-back, has seen his role diminish due to tactical shifts and recurring injuries. With his contract expiring soon and interest from Celtic, his departure feels almost inevitable. His sale could fetch a decent fee and free up salary space.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian international has one year left on his contract and is likely to attract offers, particularly from clubs like Borussia Dortmund who have shown interest previously. His versatility makes him an attractive proposition in the market, and a move could be on the cards if Arsenal plans a tactical reshuffle.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Lokonga spent the season on loan at Sevilla, where he struggled for regular starts but showed glimpses of quality. Sevilla has the option to make his move permanent for around £10 million. Given Arsenal’s midfield depth, Lokonga is not expected to feature in future plans.
Jorginho and Leandro Trossard
Jorginho is another player whose future is uncertain. Out of contract this summer, he has an offer on the table from Brazilian side Flamengo. Leandro Trossard, meanwhile, was courted by Saudi clubs last summer, and that interest could reignite, especially if Arsenal receives a tempting offer.
Arsenal’s Incoming Plans and Transfer Budget
A War Chest Ready to Be Deployed
With Tavares sold and more potential outgoings, Arsenal are expected to have a summer budget in the region of £150 million. This will allow them to strengthen key areas—particularly central midfield, striker, and potentially full-back, depending on departures.
Targets in Sight
The Gunners have been linked with a number of high-profile players. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are reportedly among the club’s top targets. Additionally, reinforcement in wide attacking positions is also being considered, especially if players like Trossard depart.
Youth and Experience Balance
Arsenal will likely look to combine youth prospects with experienced professionals. This has been a hallmark of the Arteta-Edu era, where the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus have blended well with academy graduates such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
What Tavares’ Departure Tells Us About Arsenal’s Project
A Club Growing in Maturity
Arsenal’s ability to turn a once-underperforming asset into a profit-generating move is a sign of the club’s maturity. This isn’t the Arsenal of years past—where players left for free or at a significant loss. The inclusion of clauses and intelligent scouting and loan strategies speaks to a well-functioning recruitment team.
The End of a Chapter, But Not the Story
For Tavares, this move is a chance to revive his career permanently in a league that suits his strengths. For Arsenal, it’s a clean break and the opening act in what could be a pivotal transfer window for the future of the club.
Conclusion
Nuno Tavares’ imminent permanent move to Lazio is more than just the first piece of Arsenal’s summer transfer puzzle—it is symbolic of a club making calculated, future-minded decisions. As the Gunners prepare for another season chasing Premier League glory and European success, every transfer counts.
With a smart start to the window, a host of potential outgoings, and a substantial war chest available, Arsenal are setting the stage for one of their most important summers in years. The Tavares deal is merely the beginning.
