Nuno Tavares is in flying form at present, having left Arsenal on loan this summer (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Nuno Tavares has expressed how happy he currently is after leaving Arsenal for Lazio. The 24-year-old, who has been shipped out on loan several times since joining the Gunners, initially honed his skills at Benfica before penning a deal with their B-team in 2018.
A rise to the first team in 2019 saw him shine across 41 appearances for the Primeira Liga giants leading to his £7million move to Arsenal in 2021. Although Gunners supporters have had high hopes for the full-back, his journey at Arsenal hasn’t been particularly smooth.
With only 28 appearances under boss Mikel Arteta in three years, Tavares has mostly gained his experience through loans. His season-long stint at Marseille in 2022/23 saw him participate in 39 matches under Igor Tudor – followed by another loan to Nottingham Forest for the 2023/24 season.
He’s currently making waves at Lazio under Marco Baroni, boasting an impressive tally of five assists in just five games, reports Football London. And far from feeling frustrated over repeated loans, Tavares has embraced the chance to accumulate playing time across Europe.
Speaking to O Jogo, Tavares has openly stated his pleasure with life at Lazio, saying: “I feel more and more at home at Lazio. Fortunately, things are going well for me personally and collectively. I think we have risen to the challenge and can only think about improving. We still have a long way to go but, for now, the balance is very positive.”
He continued: “I feel good watching my team-mates. It’s good to have this understanding with them in this short space of time. We can only improve. I’m very happy to be here.”
Tavares hasn’t spent much time on the pitch for Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Due to his impressive five assists in five games for Lazio, Tavares, has been crowned the “king of assists” by the Portuguese paper Record. Arsenal’s choice to let Tavares go on loan again this season might prove costly, as the rising star has a compulsory £4.1million (€5m) purchase clause, provided certain conditions are fulfilled.
Given that the Gunners originally purchased the talent for approximately £3million more than this fee, it could be a significant blow to the club – particularly as Tavares has made remarkable progress since joining the Emirates Stadium in 2021.
Currently, Lazio holds the fourth position in Serie A after seven matches, boasting four victories, one defeat and two draws. They trail league leaders Napoli by just three points, and the Italian heavyweights could potentially vie for their first league championship in 24 years as the season progresses.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1958979/Arsenal-transfer-news-Nuno-Tavares-Lazio