Boost for Arsenal as Lazio Open to Nuno Tavares Sale Amidst Revived Saudi Interest

Lazio have reportedly taken a more lenient stance on Nuno Tavares, whom they refused to sell last summer.

The Background

The Biancocelesti received a €25 million offer from Al-Hilal in June, but it fell well below Claudio Lotito’s asking price. The Saudi Pro League giants ended up signing AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, who joined Simone Inzaghi’s court. On the other hand, Tavares remained in the Italian capital.

Lazio Willing to Sell Nuno Tavares

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Lazio were hoping that the Portuguese would make a significant leap in quality under Maurizio Sarri’s guidance, but it has been quite the opposite. The 25-year-old has now returned to action following a spell on the sidelines, but he could find himself behind Luca Pellegrini in the pecking order.

Nuno Tavares (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Sarri has seemingly found the right balance at the back during Tavares’ absence, as evidenced by the five clean sheets registered in the team’s last six outings. Therefore, the former Arsenal star could find himself on the outs, so Pedullà believes that Lazio are now willing to cash in on the Portugal international, at least if they receive a suitable offer.

Saudi Clubs Rekindle Their Interest in Tavares

As the source explains, the Aquile would have little reason to lock up a player who’s no longer a regular starter, especially one who still has a market. This new stance coincides with revived interest from the Saudi Pro League, and not only from Al-Hilal.

Arsenal Bracing for Windfall

Hence, this will be a situation to keep an eye on ahead of the January transfer market. Arsenal will certainly follow every development closely, as they’re entitled to receive 40% of the transfer fee. The Gunners had successfully negotiated a sell-on fee when they sold Tavares to Lazio in the summer of 2024.