Arsenal confirm Lazio loan deal | OneFootball

Arsenal have confirmed the departure of left-back Nuno Tavares to Serie A side Lazio on a season-long loan deal.

The deal includes an obligation for Lazio to purchase the 24-year-old defender if certain performance-related conditions are met during the season.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 16: Nuno Tavares #20 of Arsenal in action during a preseason friendly against the Evertonat M&T Bank Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Tavares arrived at Arsenal from Benfica in July 2021, making 28 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners. He scored a memorable goal in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in April 2022 and made a strong impression during his debut season.

However, the Portuguese youth international struggled to maintain a consistent starting position under Mikel Arteta‘s management. He subsequently spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Marseille, where he featured in 31 Ligue 1 matches and scored six goals.

Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique de Marseille and Toulouse FC at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on December 29, 2022. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

While Arsenal have not disclosed the financial details of the loan agreement, reports suggest that Lazio will be obligated to pay a fee of up to €8 million if Tavares achieves certain performance targets. The Gunners are also believed to have included a sell-on clause in the deal, potentially allowing them to benefit from any future transfer of the player.

Tavares’ move to Lazio presents him with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in Serie A and further develop his career in Italian football. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be looking to recoup some of their initial investment in the player and potentially generate additional income through the sell-on clause.