Nuno Tavares has completed a move to Serie A side Lazio, ending his short-lived time at Arsenal. The 24-year-old has joined the Italian club on a permanent deal, with both clubs announcing the deal earlier this week. Lazio are understood to have paid a fee in the region of €7m, with bonus related payments for performance related clauses.
The switch ends a difficult spell for Tavares, who spent the 2023–24 on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he struggled for consistent form and game time. Despite glimpses of his blistering speed and attacking intent, Forest opted against a permanent deal, opening the door to offers for Arsenal. Lazio swooped fast, recognising a player with plenty of potential despite his inconsistency.
The club can now confirm that Nuno Tavares has joined Lazio on a permanent deal.
Thank you for everything and best of luck for the future, Nuno ❤️
“We believe that Tavares will fit perfectly into our club’s playing style under the coach, Maurizio Sarri, a player with a lot of physical strength and attacking potential,” Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani said, suggesting that the coach’s tactical style is likely to suit the Portuguese defender. Tavares will challenge competitions with Elseid Hysaj and Adam Marušić for the starting spot on the left side of Lazio’s backline.
Tavares moved to Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 as an exciting, energetic full-back. He impressed early but his inexperience and positional errors weighed heavily under Arteta. Inconsistent performances and defensive weaknesses saw him lose his place, leading to a loan at Marseille in 2022–23, where he improved and scored six goals in Ligue 1.
But regardless of his increased attacking contributions which he offered in the French top-flight, Arsenal still saw him as surplus to requirements. The deal with Lazio represents a fresh start for a player who was once considered a long-term prospect at the Emirates.
The switch to Lazio is a huge departure for Tavares in his career. At 24, he has time to grow and continue to develop. Best known for his speed and endurance, Tavares adds the mold of a modern wing-back, but his defensive awareness has often come into question. The way in which Serie A is not as fast and loose, it does seem like a good place for him to iron those out.
Lazio, meanwhile, remain committed to their approach of signing players who are young, possess potential and who can be sold on. Sarri’s system can require a full back who can offer as much in attack as in defensive shape — something Tavares will need to become quickly adept at if he is to be a regular in the side.
🚨 CONFIRMED: Nuno Tavares has officially left Arsenal, and signed for Lazio on a permanent transfer. 👋🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/VxfOgraJH4
The club are also in next season’s Europa League and Tavares will get exposure to that continent. This is going to be integral to his development and confidence, particularly with his desire to get back into the thoughts of the Portuguese national set-up and the upcoming 2026 World Cup cycle.
First impressions from training are good, too, as reports in Italy claim Sarri admires the defender’s work ethic and willingness to change. The problem is, however, that consistency is the lingering issue — a narrative that has shadowed Tavares during his entire senior career.
The physical tools have always been there for Nuno Tavares — pace, strength and a natural attacking flare. What he has been missing, until now, is a system and a manager that is willing to work patiently on those holes in his tactical game. Lazio is the place where he can do that; it provides that stage and opportunity.” He may prefer Serie A’s slower pace and focus on structure to the frenetic chaos of the Premier League.
This isn’t just a transfer; it’s a career crossroads. If Tavares accepts the challenge, focuses on his positioning, and adds consistency to his game, he could become a real asset for Lazio. But if the old habits creep back in, this may be his last big-stage opportunity.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
