Arsenal transfer news: Lazio official reveals terms agreed for defender

Arsenal are on the brink of receiving a boost in the transfer market with the exit of Nuno Tavares, who could join Lazio.

In 2021, the Gunners made the decision to sign Tavares from Benfica in an £8m deal, the hope being that the full-back would cement himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup.

Although 17 starts and 11 substitute outings would be made during his first campaign at the Emirates Stadium, Tavares has since spent loan stints at Marseille and Nottingham Forest respectively.

The period in France went far better than the one at Forest, with the 24-year-old making just 12 outings in all competitions during 2023-24, and he has since returned to his parent club.

As recently as this week, Tavares revealed that he had ambitions to break back into Arteta's plans, even having spent two years away from the North Londoners.

However, the situation now appears to have changed with Lazio seemingly closing in on the signing of the Portuguese.

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Fabiani speaks on Tavares chase

Lazio sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani has been commenting on their interest in Tavares, who has just under 12 months remaining on his contract.

While acknowledging that personal terms still need to be agreed, Fabiani rates Lazio's chances of getting a deal over the line as "high".

Speaking at a press conference, Fabiani said: "Lazio are strongly interested, and an agreement between the clubs was reached yesterday.

"After that, we must find an agreement with the player and his agents. I am more than confident.

"For superstitious reasons, I won't say he's already a Lazio player, but there are high chances."

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What are the terms of the deal?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the clubs have agreed to an initial loan deal with the mandatory option to buy for a fee in the region of €7m (£5.9m).

Given their need to bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, Arsenal would have realistically preferred the money immediately.

That said, getting Tavares off their wage bill with the promise of future funds being generated will also stand them in good stead.

From Lazio's perspective, they will view the terms as good value for money, with there being the potential for the player to be sold for a bigger fee later in his career if he impresses at Stadio Olimpico.

Written by
Darren Plant