Saudi Move Heats Up: Lazio's Nuno Tavares Attracts Arsenal Windfall
23 December 2025
Saudi powerhouse Al-Ittihad is keeping the lines open with Lazio to gauge a January arrival for Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares.
According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, the Saudi club are in regular contact with Lazio about the Portuguese defender who has struggled for consistency since arriving in the Italian capital.
Moretto noted that Tavares, 25, is ready to move to Saudi Arabia immediately, while Lazio remains open to selling in January.
Even though no agreement has been reached, the deal is described as being on a hot path toward completion.
Financial windfall for Lazio and Arsenal
That potential move comes as Lazio prepare to add fresh signings in January after lifting a transfer ban imposed last summer, an obstacle that had hamstrung the squad under Maurizio Sarri.
Lazio has managed the first half of the season despite injuries and suspensions that strained midfield, and selling Tavares would free cash to reinvest in positions more in need.
As for Arsenal, who originally loaned Tavares to Lazio before making the move permanent last season, they are watching to see if Lazio triggers the 40% future sale clause.
That means the Gunners would collect a sizable slice of any transfer fee as a windfall, a win without even lifting a finger.
Tavares shone in his first Lazio season with notable attacking contributions, yet he faces defensive questions under Sarri's system, making his departure a plausible option for all parties.
Punchline: If this transfer goes through, Lazio will finally have a midfield cash prize, not just a pothole in the defense. Punchline 2: In football timing is everything; January just handed Lazio a calendar reminder that money can move faster than a sprint.
