Arsenal have confirmed that Nuno Tavares has joined Lazio on a season-long loan. The 24-year-old defender, who joined the Gunners from Benfica in July 2021, spent last term on loan at Nottingham Forest, making 12 appearances across all competitions.
The campaign prior, in 2022/23, Tavares enjoyed a loan spell in the French top flight with Marseille, where he made 31 appearances and scored six. The north Londoners have confirmed that the Portuguese star’s loan to Lazio is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
“This step in Nuno’s career is a great opportunity to develop further by gaining valuable experience in Serie A and Italian football.
Meanwhile, the Italian giants have announced his arrival. An official statement from Lazio reads: “SS Lazio announces that it has acquired on a temporary basis, with an obligation to redeem upon the occurrence of particular sporting conditions, the rights to the sporting performances of the footballer Nuno Albertino Varela Tavares from Arsenal FC.
Just earlier this month, Tavares, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2025, vowed to fight for his future in Mikel Arteta’s side. Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Record, he said: “Yes, obviously, I have in mind to return to Arsenal and have a good pre-season.
“Regardless of what happens in the future, I will always do my best as I have done in all pre-seasons, to have a place at the club. I always try to do my work in the best way. Then it’s up to the club to decide whether I’m a valid option or not.
Tavares added: “But I have a strong mentality. I know what I’m capable of. Sometimes things don’t depend on us, but my job is to focus on myself and do what I do best. I played for one of the biggest clubs, Benfica, where there was huge competition.
“Therefore, it doesn’t have to be a question of fear of competition, because I know my value and I don’t let anything affect me. I trust my work. I went with the intention of playing as many games as possible at Arsenal.
“Because it was my first year playing at a high level and in the Premier League, I think 28 games [in my first season at Arsenal] is very good for the first year. It was a good time.
