Arsenal forgotten man seals transfer exit after missing out on $15.5 million move

Nuno Tavares, who struggled to make an impact at Arsenal , has sealed a move to Italian heavyweights Lazio after seemingly falling out of favor with Mikel Arteta.

The Portuguese defender has finalized a loan transfer to the Stadio Olimpico for the upcoming season. If certain conditions are met during the campaign, Lazio will be obliged to make the deal permanent. Tavares has already signed a five-year contract with Lazio, marking the end of a disappointing chapter in his career.

The 24-year-old was brought in from Benfica in 2021 and made 28 appearances in his debut season, but it wasn't smooth sailing. One notably challenging match saw him substituted before half-time in an FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest.

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Following a successful loan spell at Marseille, Tavares returned to England with a loan move to Nottingham Forest last term, making just 12 appearances. The Midlands club had the option to buy him for around $15.5 million (£12 million) but decided against it, reports the Mirror .

Now, he's hoping to revive his career in Rome. Tavares had previously voiced his wish to return to Arsenal this summer in a bid to impress Arteta, but that opportunity will now not materialize.

In a recent interview with Portuguese publication Record , he stated: "Yes, obviously, I have in mind to return to Arsenal and have a good pre-season. Regardless of what happens in the future, I will always do my best, as I have done in all pre-seasons, to have a place at the club.

"I always try to do my work in the best way. Then it's up to the club to decide whether I'm a valid option or not. But I have a strong mentality. I know what I'm capable of. Sometimes things don't depend on us, but my job is to focus on myself and do what I do best.

"I played for one of the biggest clubs, Benfica, where there was huge competition. Therefore, it doesn't have to be a question of fear of competition, because I know my value and I don't let anything affect me. I trust my work.

"I went with the intention of playing as many games as possible at Arsenal. Because it was my first year playing at a high level and in the Premier League , I think 28 games [in my first season at Arsenal] is very good for the first year. It was a good time."

Tavares is not the only star let go by Arsenal over the last few days. Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has left to join Sevilla on loan following a season with Luton.