Arsenal could be set to cash in as Nuno Tavares edges closer to a departure from Serie A club Lazio in January, according to reports in Italy.
Il Messaggero report (via Sport Witness) that Arsenal have a 40% sell-on clause in Nuno Tavares’ contract, and though Lazio CEO Claudio Lotito has publicly denied there will be major January sales, the club have to make money to avoid sanctions.
Il Messaggero claim intermediaries are privately working to secure significant offers for Lazio players, and Tavares is attracting interest from a club in Saudi Arabia.
The former Gunner has reportedly already given his approval to the move, and it’s just down to the two clubs to negotiate. Lazio are trying to drive up the price, but there’s reportedly confidence in a January transfer.
Last summer, reports suggested that Lazio had set a €40m price tag for Tavares, in part based on the knowledge that they’ll have to pass on a large portion of the proceeds to Arsenal.
The Serie A club already sent some money Arsenal’s way this summer, having paid the Gunners to make Tavares’ loan deal permanent for around £7m.
But perhaps Lazio would accept less right now, given their tricky financial situation and the fact Tavares is out of favour. He was booed and substituted at half-time in his most recent appearance.
Tavares had made a very strong start at Lazio, playing 30 times in 2024/25 and providing nine assists. A number of muscular injuries held him back from featuring more regularly, but it was still a positive campaign overall.
With the player’s trajectory in Italy now much less impressive, perhaps now is the time to sell.