Arsenal have confirmed the permanent departure of Portuguese full-back Nuno Tavares to Italian Serie A side Lazio.
The 25-year-old, who arrived at the Emirates from Benfica in July 2021, made 28 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions.
His first goal came in a 3-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United in April 2022.
“The 25-year-old defender joined us from Benfica in July 2021 and made 28 appearances in all competitions,” Arsenal said in a statement on Thursday. “He scored his first competitive goal for us in a 3-1 win against Manchester United in April 2022.”
Born in Lisbon, Nuno began his journey at Benfica’s academy in 2015 and earned promotion to the senior team, where he made a memorable debut in the Portuguese Super Cup, helping the side to a 5-0 triumph over Sporting Lisbon in August 2019.
“Lisbon-born Nuno joined Benfica’s academy in 2015, spending six years with the club. After graduating to the first team, Nuno made his debut in style, lifting silverware aged 19 as Benfica defeated Sporting Lisbon 5-0 in the Portuguese Super Cup in August 2019.”
After his maiden season with Arsenal, Tavares spent time out on loan to gain more playing time and experience.
His most productive spell came with French club Marseille in the 2022/23 season, where he featured 39 times and found the net six times, contributing to their third-place finish in Ligue 1.
“Following his debut season at the club, the attacking full-back spent time on loan with Marseille, Nottingham Forest and Lazio. He made 39 appearances in all competitions for Marseille during the 2022/23 season, scoring six times to help Marseille to a third-place finish in Ligue 1.”
He followed that with a stint at Nottingham Forest, where he featured in both the Premier League and FA Cup, totaling 12 appearances.
“A loan spell with Nottingham Forest came the following season, where Nuno made a combined 12 appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup.”
Tavares then joined Lazio on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, during which he played 30 matches in all competitions and provided nine assists, notably delivering eight of them in the first 10 Serie A fixtures.
“Nuno then spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Lazio, where he made 30 appearances in all competitions. He assisted nine times, eight of which came in the first 10 league games.”
His impressive form in Italy earned him a senior international debut for Portugal in November 2024, as a substitute in a dominant 5-1 UEFA Nations League win over Poland.
“During his time on loan at Lazio, Nuno was awarded his first senior international cap when he came on as a substitute in Portugal’s 5-1 win against Poland in the UEFA Nations League, in November 2024.”
Arsenal concluded their message with a note of appreciation and best wishes for the defender’s future.
“Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Nuno for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.
“The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
