Lazio’s sporting director had already confirmed their agreement with Arsenal earlier this week.
“[Tavares] is a player who interests Lazio a lot,” Angelo Fabiani said on Wednesday.
“There have been talks between the two clubs for an agreement that was reached yesterday.
“Before completing the operation, however, many components must be agreed upon and an agreement must be found with the agents.
“I am more than confident, but for superstitious reasons I will not say that he is already a Lazio player.”