Nuno Tavares reveals role controversial Arsenal figure played in transfer exit
Arsenal have let Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares join Italian giants Lazio after a miserable spell with Nottingham Forest and a former Gunner played a vital role in the move
Nuno Tavares has sealed a loan move to Lazio (Image: Getty Images)
Matteo Guendouzi was key in Nuno Tavares ending his Arsenal nightmare after convincing him to join Lazio.
The Portuguese defender has left North London to join the Italian side on loan. He could have played his final match for Arsenal with the deal including an obligation to make the switch permanent.
The Gunners have also inserted a sell-on fee into the agreement. Tavares’ switch sees him link up with former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi – who he has revealed was crucial in his move to Italy.
Speaking to Lazio Style Channel, the 24-year-old said: “We never crossed paths at Arsenal, but I did know Guendouzi from our time at Marseille. We had a great rapport and remained in contact. I did talk to him about Lazio and that made it easier for me to accept this move.”
Explaining why he decided to quit Arsenal for Lazio, Tavares added: “I wanted a new project in my career, I discussed it with my family and my agents. We evaluated the various proposals and decided to accept this new challenge.
“I watched several Lazio games over the season, especially when Matteo arrived, then even more under Igor Tudor. I watched the Coppa Italia match against Juventus, the two Rome derbies and a couple of Champions League games.”
Guendouzi was a divisive figure at Arsenal after being signed by Unai Emery. He saw his Arsenal career stutter under Mikel Arteta following a reported fallout and was promptly sold to Marseille.
Tavares’ move to Lazio signals his second loan move away from Arsenal in as many seasons. He spent last term on loan at Nottingham Forest but made just 12 appearances during his time at the City Ground.
The defender had previously expressed his desire to return to Arsenal in an effort to impress Mikel Arteta. But the Arsenal boss has not given him the opportunity by sanctioning his exit from the Emirates Stadium.
Matteo Guendouzi and Nuno Tavares have been reunited at Lazio ( Image:
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Speaking to Portuguese outlet Record last week, Tavares said: “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.”
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