Nuno Tavares joined Lazio on a permanent basis in the summer of 2025 for £6 million after spending the previous season on loan there. Arsenal had the foresight to include a sell-on clause worth between 30 and 40 percent in the deal. As Tavares approaches a potential move away from the Stadio Olimpico, that clause could be activated, delivering a significant windfall for the Gunners.
Transfer insider chatter suggests Tavares is poised to depart Lazio, with Porto among the interested clubs. There is mention of direct discussions involving Farioli, as Porto reportedly weigh up a bid and face competition. Fiorentina has also been linked, while Besiktas—who are actively pursuing Leandro Trossard—had a €10 million bid for Tavares rejected.
Reports indicate Lazio could be persuaded to accept a transfer fee around €20 million. If that figure holds, Arsenal’s sell-on clause would yield roughly £6 million, a sum that would almost match their initial outlay when signing him from Benfica in 2021.
Tavares’ time at Arsenal was challenging. He was substituted after just 34 minutes in an FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, a moment often cited as symbolic of his stint in north London. He subsequently spent loan spells at Marseille and Nottingham Forest before moving to Lazio on a permanent basis.
There is clear talent in Tavares. Physically imposing, he demonstrated his attacking potential with nine assists in 30 appearances in his first season with Lazio, highlighting what he can contribute as a wing-back. Lazio’s new manager, Gennaro Gattuso, valued his attacking capabilities, having worked with Tavares at Marseille in the 2022/23 season, where he excelled in an advanced role and scored six goals.
However, the club’s financial realities may influence their willingness to sell. At 26, Tavares still has time to revive his career, whether at Lazio or elsewhere. For Arsenal, a sale would provide a welcome boost to finances that could help push other transfer deals over the line.
