Arsenal could miss out on a significant profit after including only a €5m purchase option in the loan deal for Nuno Tavares, who is now valued at €65m. The left-back has performed well at Lazio, and the Italian club is prepared to activate the clause, potentially leaving Arsenal with a major financial loss.As reported by Il Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia), Arsenal could miss out on a substantial profit if Lazio opts to activate the €5 million purchase option this summer for Nuno Tavares, who is currently on a season-long loan from the Gunners.
The Bigger Picture
While Lazio’s long-term retention of Tavares is not guaranteed, triggering the €5 million buy option would give them control over his future and allow discussions with the player. Even in the worst-case scenario, the Biancocelesti could secure a substantial profit, as Tavares’ market value has now risen to approximately £50-54 million (€60-65m). Arsenal initially signed him from Benfica in 2021, with the defender making 28 appearances before being loaned out to Marseille and Nottingham Forest in successive seasons.
Did You Know?
Lazio’s chances of securing a permanent deal for Tavares would improve if they qualify for the Champions League, which could be an appealing prospect for the 25-year-old, who has recorded eight assists in Serie A this season. If the move becomes permanent, a four-year contract is already in place, keeping the Portuguese left-back at the Stadio Olimpico until 2029. However, club owner Claudio Lotito is expected to set high demands, particularly since Arsenal retains a 40% sell-on clause for the player.
What’s Next for Nuno Tavares?
Tavares is set to feature on Thursday night as Lazio face Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 away from home. In Serie A, Lazio currently sit in fifth place, just two points behind fourth-placed Juventus. Their next league fixture is against Udinese on Monday, where Tavares is expected to be in the starting lineup.