Arsenal set to approve the sale of £54m player as summer clear-out begins

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Arsenal are expected to kick off their summer transfer activity with the permanent departure of Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares, who looks set to join Lazio after an impressive loan spell in Italy.

The 25-year-old has not played for Arsenal since the 2021–22 campaign and has spent the last three seasons out on loan with Marseille, Nottingham Forest, and Lazio. Tavares has enjoyed a standout year in Italy, making 28 appearances and recording eight assists — a tally bettered only by Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku among attacking players in the league.

His resurgence in form earned him a first call-up to the Portugal national team, where he made his international debut in November. Lazio are now reportedly eager to activate a clause in the loan agreement that allows them to make the move permanent for a fee of around €7–8 million (£5.9–6.7m).

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Arsenal are understood to have included a sell-on clause worth up to 25% in the deal, meaning they will benefit financially should Lazio decide to sell Tavares in the future. Reports in Italy suggest the Rome-based club could even look to flip the player for a quick profit, with his market value now estimated between €60–65 million (£50–54m).

Although there is no certainty that Tavares will remain at Lazio long-term, triggering the clause would give the Biancocelesti full control of his future, including the option to negotiate a new deal or sell him on. For Arsenal, it would mark the end of a three-year effort to offload the player permanently.

Tavares, who joined Arsenal from Benfica in 2021, made 28 appearances for the Gunners before being sent on a series of loan spells. His stint at Nottingham Forest last season included a £12 million option to buy, but that was not exercised.

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His expected departure could be the first of several this summer, as Arsenal seek to raise funds for reinforcements ahead of the 2025–26 season. Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic when his contract expires, while Oleksandr Zinchenko — whose deal runs out next year — is attracting renewed interest from Borussia Dortmund.

Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, who has spent the campaign on loan at Sevilla, could also depart permanently, with the Spanish club holding a £10 million purchase option. Meanwhile, Jorginho is weighing up an offer from Brazilian side Flamengo, and Leandro Trossard remains a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Mikel Arteta is expected to oversee a squad overhaul this summer, and the permanent exit of Tavares could be the first major step in Arsenal’s rebuild.

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