Few would have anticipated that Nuno Tavares would emerge as one of Europe’s standout performers this season, yet the Arsenal loanee has been nothing short of spectacular in Serie A since joining Lazio on loan. With eight assists in as many appearances, Tavares has defied expectations, establishing himself as one of the continent’s most prolific playmakers. This resurgence is a stark contrast to his struggles in North London, where he has spent the past three seasons out on loan after failing to earn a consistent place under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s decision to loan out Tavares once again—and with a permanent move on the horizon—might soon seem like a mistake. His loan agreement includes an obligation for Lazio to buy him next summer for a reported £7.5 million, a sum that now appears remarkably low in light of his current form. Lazio’s president and majority owner, Claudio Lotito, seems all too aware of the bargain he’s getting; he has suggested that the Portuguese left-back’s value far exceeds the agreed-upon fee. In fact, Lotito recently claimed he wouldn’t entertain selling Tavares “not even for €70 million (£59 million),” underlining his belief in the player’s immense worth.
The 23-year-old’s debut for Lazio was nothing short of dazzling, with Tavares providing two assists in a thrilling 2-2 draw against AC Milan, immediately demonstrating the creativity and technical skill that have since defined his season. Reflecting on Tavares’ impressive introduction to Italian football, Lotito has continued to express his admiration. In discussions with Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, he praised Tavares as well as other new signings, underscoring the patience needed to allow players to adapt. “You always have to give the players time to settle in,” Lotito remarked. “Tavares is the same—have you seen what a player he is?”
The former Portugal youth international has indeed found his stride in Italy, with his eight assists putting him on par with Barcelona’s Raphinha for the highest tally across Europe’s top five leagues this season. His numbers even surpass those of some of Europe’s most notable young talents, including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who has seven assists, and Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has six. These accomplishments are particularly noteworthy given Tavares’ inconsistent past seasons and the challenges he faced in adjusting to the Premier League.
Tavares’ career at Arsenal started with promise when he arrived from Benfica for £8 million in 2021. His speed and athleticism initially served him well, especially during Kieran Tierney’s injury spells. However, the Lisbon-born defender soon hit turbulent waters. During an FA Cup third-round match against Nottingham Forest in January 2022, Tavares was substituted before halftime. Frustrated, he threw his gloves to the ground, walking past Arteta without a glance. The moment underscored the tension between him and his manager, which would only escalate as the season progressed.
The strained relationship between Tavares and Arteta became even more evident through Arsenal’s Amazon ‘All or Nothing’ documentary series, which provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their friction. In one memorable scene, Arteta is seen shouting intensely at Tavares during halftime in a game against West Ham. Arsenal were chasing a Champions League spot, and with the game tied 1-1, Arteta was visibly angered by Tavares’ role in West Ham’s equalizer by Jarrod Bowen.
This tumultuous chapter appears to be firmly in Tavares’ past, however, as he enjoys his breakout season in Serie A. His time in Rome has marked a fresh start, with Lazio providing the platform he needed to flourish. As his performances continue to attract attention, Arsenal might soon feel the sting of regret, especially if he cements himself as one of Europe’s top talents for a modest transfer fee. For now, Lazio seems to have made one of the smartest investments of the season, with Tavares flourishing in a league that embraces his style of play, surrounded by teammates and a management team that believe in his potential.
