Arsenal Make €9m from Lazio for Nuno Tavares Transfer, Sambi Lokonga Returns from Sevilla

Arsenal have finished the permanent move of Nuno Tavares to Lazio. The Italian club will pay €9 million in a loan deal that has a must-buy option. At the same time, Albert Sambi Lokonga will come back to Arsenal after his loan at Sevilla ends.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Lazio have decided to trigger the must-buy part of their loan deal with Arsenal for Nuno Tavares. The deal is worth between €7-9 million. It includes a sell-on clause, which means Arsenal will earn more if Tavares transfers in the future. The Portuguese left-back played well for Lazio this season, with 8 assists in 21 games, but muscle injuries stopped his progress. Albert Sambi Lokonga, who was loaned to Sevilla, will return to Arsenal this summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This is Arsenal’s first big transfer out of the club this summer as they try to rebuild their team. Tavares joined Arsenal in 2021 but couldn’t find a regular spot, playing only 28 games and scoring once. At Lazio, he started well, but injuries limited his playtime. Lazio are aiming for a European competition spot in Serie A. Signing Tavares permanently shows they believe in his future potential. For Arsenal, the sell-on clause may be beneficial if Lazio sell Tavares for a higher price later.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL AND LAZIO?

Arsenal finished strong in the Premier League and are aiming for Champions League qualification. They plan to use the money from Tavares’ sale to buy more defenders and midfielders for Mikel Arteta’s team overhaul. Lazio, fighting for a top-six spot in Serie A and close to Atalanta and Roma, hope Tavares returns to fitness and form. Sambi Lokonga’s future at Arsenal will be reviewed in preseason, as his squad role is still undecided amid ongoing transfers.