Lazio Schedule Decisive Meeting With Arsenal as Juventus Explore Opportunity | OneFootball

There could be some interesting developments regarding Nuno Tavares in the coming days and weeks, as his future could be decided between Lazio, Arsenal and Juventus.

The Background

The Biancocelesti signed the left-back last summer on loan from the Gunners with an obligation to buy at the end of the season. This clause would be activated if the player features in 50% of Lazio’s matches this season. Despite his recent injury woes, the Italians are still determined to buy the player regardless, explains Calciomercato.

Lazio Keen to Buy Nuno Tavares as Soon as Possible

As the source explains, Lazio and Arsenal have scheduled a meeting next week, and they’re expected to finalize the operation. The Aquile will take advantage of the early transfer window (opening at the beginning of June) to seal the move. Lazio will only pay €5 million as a transfer fee, and it will be spread over five yearly instalments.

(Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, the report explains that this isn’t necessarily a love-declaration act on the part of the Italian capital side, but rather a manoeuvre that could eventually yield a significant windfall. CM believes that Lazio will be open to cashing in on Tavares as soon as possible.

Hence, they would like to purchase the player swiftly, just in case a Club World Cup participant shows interest in buying the Portugal international prior to the tournament (which begins on June 14th).

Juventus Enter the Fray

Moreover, the same source claims that Juventus have now emerged as a serious suitor for the left-back, identifying him as a natural replacement for Andrea Cambiaso who’s being heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester City. The Bianconeri are one of 32 clubs that will take part in the global tournament, so perhaps they’ll be looking to make their moves rather early.

Tavares Enduring Rollercoaster Campaign

Tavares contributed with eight assists in his first eight Serie A appearances, but his momentum has been derailed by seven muscle injuries. The latest setback forced him to leave the pitch in tears against Bodo/Glimt in what turned out to be Lazio’s final act in their Europa League campaign.