Arsenal’s attempt to offload defender Nuno Tavares to Lazio is being delayed by the Italian club’s complicated pursuit of shunned Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.
The Gunners have not been shy about unloading players they feel have become deadwood over the last few seasons, and defender Tavares is seemingly no exception.
Signing from Benfica for just £8million in 2021, Tavares hasn’t been able to break into Mikel Arteta’s side and looks all but certain to leave permanently after a series of loans.
Having been exiled by United, Greenwood spent last season on loan at Spanish side Getafe, scoring 10 goals and earning him a few potential suitors in Italy and France.
Valuing the player at around £40million, United have reportedly rejected Lazio’s opening offer of £21million, which they feel was below what they were willing to sell the player for. According to Calciomercato, Lazio have set themselves a deal date of July 8th to seal the transfer.
The deal is delaying their attempts to pursue Arsenal’s Tavares, as the deadline is fast approaching, and their focus isn’t yet shifting from the English striker.
Tavares’ agent has reportedly been in contact with Lazio to attempt to sort this deal, with the same publication claiming a meeting has been organised for a few days’ time but it is expected to come after the Italian club’s Greenwood deadline.
Loans to Marseille, another club interested in Greenwood, and Nottingham Forest haven’t proved very successful. With Tavares’ contract expiring in 2025, a permanent move seems like though it has been claimed that Lazio are only interested in a loan.
Arsenal will be keen to recoup some of the £8million paid for Tavares and not let him go on a free transfer next year, but as of now, the Greenwood deal is taking priority, and Tavares will have to wait to find out his fate.
