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Nuno Tavares has completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Lazio following an initial loan spell in Rome.
Arsenal confirmed the sale of the forgotten man on Thursday after conditions were met that meant the two-time scudetto winners were obligated to keep him in the Italian capital on a permanent basis.
The Portuguese left back showed signs of promise in his first season with the Gunners, but erratic performances that showcased his rawness as a player prompted him to have moves away from the club and slowly become a forgotten part of Mikel Arteta's project.
Nuno Tavares seals permanent transfer to Lazio
Tavares signed for Arsenal from Benfica ahead of the 2021/22 season and became a regular feature in Arteta's team during the campaign. He made 28 appearances for the Gunners and scored one goal, coming in a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
The youngster looked impressive in some performances, but disappointed at times. He suffered in a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool, playing a pass directly to Diogo Jota to score the hosts' second. Tavares also made headlines when he was substituted after just 34 minutes in an eventual 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest. He threw his gloves on the floor and ignored his manager as he stormed off the pitch.
With Arsenal transforming themselves from top four hopefuls to title contenders, the left back was shipped out to Marseille on loan for the 2022/23 campaign. He scored six goals in 39 appearances for the Olympians and returned to the Gunners a year later.
He remained in the Premier League for 2023/24, spending the season on loan at Forest. As they faced the prospect of relegation, Tavares played just 12 times in all competitions with Nuno Espirito Santo's side opting against activating the purchase clause in his contract.
The left back still failed to find his way into Arteta's plans and was sent to Italy to play for Lazio. He impressed in both attack and defence for I Biancazzurri, providing nine assists in 30 appearances.
Conditions were met in Tavares' Lazio contract and that means he will now sign for them for a reported fee of £7.5m. The Gunners also hold a 40% sell-on clause as part of his move so should benefit nicely if he is to leave the Italian side.
It's safe to say the signing of Tavares was a failed one for Arsenal. He looked impressive at times, but his frequent erratic displays meant he couldn't be relied on to perform consistently for the Gunners. His sale by the club will at least see another unneeded player be taken off the books.