Nuno Tavares has already started training with Lazio (Picture: Getty Images)
Nuno Tavares has moved away from Arsenal on loan for a third time, joining Lazio on a season-long deal.
The 24-year-old signed for the Gunners from Benfica in 2021 for around £8m and made regular appearances in his first season, turning out 28 times in all competitions.
He clearly did not win over Mikel Arteta, though, as he has not played for the club since, spending a season on loan at Marseille and the last campaign at Nottingham Forest.
39 appearances and six goals with the French club was encouraging, but the full-back made just 12 appearances in all competitions for Forest over a forgettable stint.
The Portuguese defender now heads to Italy and his deal with Lazio includes an obligation to buy depending on ‘particular sporting conditions.’
A statement from Arsenal read: ‘This step in Nuno’s career is a great opportunity to develop further by gaining valuable experience in Serie A and Italian football. Everyone at Arsenal wishes Nuno all the best this coming season with Lazio.’
Tavares is the third player to leave Arsenal on a loan deal already this summer, following Marquinhos and Sambi Lokonga out of the door.
Tavares had a forgettable season with Nottingham Forest last time round (Picture: Getty Images)
Marquinhos has returned to Brazil with Fluminense until January next year, while Lokonga has joined Sevilla for the season.
21-year-old striker Mika Biereth has also left the club but on a permanent deal, joining Sturm Graz for £4m after doing enough to impress on a loan move last season.
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