The management of English club Arsenal is turning its attention with great interest towards the Italian league, specifically towards Lazio, as signs of a transfer deal are emerging that could revitalize the "Gunners'" coffers with unexpected financial gains, with the hero being Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares, who has become the focus of interest of Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Interesting financial item details
Recent press reports, most notably one published by Sport Mediaset, have revealed that Arsenal has a contractual clause entitling them to a significant percentage of any future transfer fee for Nuno Tavares. According to the report, the London club would receive up to 35% of the total transfer fee if the player's move from Lazio to Al-Ittihad is officially completed. This shrewd clause, inserted by Arsenal's management, ensures the club receives a continuous return on investment even after the player's departure.
Tavares' Journey: From Lisbon to Rome
To understand the context of this interest, we need to look back a bit at the young player's career. Arsenal signed Tavares from Benfica in the summer of 2021/22, a deal intended to strengthen their left flank. Despite a strong start, the player fell out of favor with manager Mikel Arteta, embarking on a series of loan spells that included Olympique Marseille and Nottingham Forest, before finally settling at Lazio.
Lazio had signed Tavares in the summer of 2024 on loan with an obligation to buy, making the player the property of the Italian club, which activates the clause for a percentage of the sale in favor of Arsenal in any future deal.
The impact of the deal and the overall context
Al-Ittihad's interest in the player comes as Saudi clubs seek to attract top international talent to enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi Professional League. Tavares, 25, is considered an attractive option given his attacking abilities and impressive speed on the left wing. For Arsenal, this transfer fee represents a "pure profit" that will help the club balance its books and comply with Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations, giving them greater flexibility in the upcoming transfer market.
It is worth noting that Tavares is performing at a remarkable level with Lazio this season, having participated in 10 matches, and succeeded in contributing goals and creating opportunities, which has raised his market value and made him a target for clubs looking for a modern full-back.
