Arsenal confirm first transfer of summer window as early deal finalised for defender to leave

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Evening Standard

·5 giugno 2025

Arsenal confirm first transfer of summer window as early deal finalised for defender to leave

Mikel Arteta starts planned summer clear-out of unwanted players

Arsenal are set to bank between £6-7m for left-sided defender Nuno Tavares

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Arsenal have confirmed Nuno Tavares has completed a permanent transfer to Lazio.

Tavares spent last season on loan at Lazio and Arsenal will bank between £6-7million after the Serie A club actived an option to buy the 25-year-old left-sided defender. He has signed a three-year contract at Lazio which runs until June 2028.

Reports in Italy have claimed that Lazio may look to instantly sell Tavares in the hope they can make a quick profit on him.

Should that happen, Arsenal would benefit as it is understood that the deal they agreed last summer includes a sell-on clause which is believed to be worth up to 25 per cent.

Tavares joined Arsenal in 2021 and made a total of 28 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners

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Tavares joined Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 but struggled to adapt to the Premier League and never established himself under Mikel Arteta.

After struggling in his first season at Aesenal, Tavares spent time on loan at Marseille, Nottingham Forest and Lazio.

He made 39 appearances for Marseille during the 2022-23 season, made 12 appearances for Nottingham Forest in 2023-24 and then impressed at Lazio last season.

In total, he made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.

Arsenal said in a statement: “Nuno Tavares has moved to Serie A side Lazio on a permanent transfer.

“Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Nuno for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.

“The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”