Arsenal could benefit from a January transfer, while manager Mikel Arteta has been sent a warning he must heed in the Premier League title race
Mikel Arteta’s January transfer window kitty could get a big boost
Arsenal are poised to showcase their transfer savvy with a deal involving a player who’s not even on their books.
Hot on the heels of their Champions League triumph over Club Brugge, the Gunners are already eyeing up a tidy profit next month. This comes as whispers suggest Nuno Tavares could be heading for the exit at Lazio, with a big-name suitor already lining up for his autograph. A lucrative sell-on clause would see the Gunners pocket a hefty slice of any transfer fee.
However, it’s not all rosy at the Emirates, as Pep Guardiola has issued a stern warning to his former protege Mikel Arteta. Here’s all the latest headlines from north London as Arsenal gear up to face Wolves this Saturday.
Nuno Tavares didn’t make the grade at Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal set for January transfer ‘gift’
Tavares, who didn’t quite cut it at Arsenal, last donned the Gunners’ shirt back in May 2022. But nearly four years on, the Portuguese international could be about to line the pockets of his old club if he parts ways with Lazio next month, reports the Mirror.
The 25-year-old joined the Eagles in 2024 following a successful loan stint but has struggled to make an impact this season. The left-back was even jeered during Lazio’s home draw against Bologna on Sunday, leading to him being subbed off at half-time.
Il Messaggero has revealed Arsenal have a whopping 40% sell-on clause in the player’s contract, which is valid until 2029. Despite Lazio president Claudio Lotito suggesting there won’t be any significant exits from Stadio Olimpico next month, Tavares could be on the chopping block.
Moreover, it’s rumoured the player has already given the thumbs up to a Saudi club showing interest. Discussions are said to have occurred between middlemen aiming to seal a winter transfer.
Arsenal didn’t quite recoup their £8million outlay when they offloaded Tavares to Lazio last year. However, Saudi teams have shown they can often cough up more than market value to secure deals, which could lead to a much-needed cash injection back at the Emirates if he’s shipped out, bolstering Arteta’s transfer kitty.
Pep Guardiola issues Gunners warning
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta were colleagues before they became rivals
As if a 2-1 comeback victory at Real Madrid wasn’t enough of a statement, Guardiola has made his intentions crystal clear.
His message is that if you reckon Manchester City look sharp now, just hold your horses until the new year – something Arteta knows only too well as his former assistant manager.
Arsenal’s recent defeat to Aston Villa helped narrow the gap at the top of the Premier League to a mere two points. And City gaffer Guardiola has cautioned rivals that his squad are primed to hit their stride in the upcoming months.
“We are [far] away,” the City boss confessed to TNT Sports in his post-match chat. “Still we are not ready. In February, we will be better.
“We have been here in the past, playing much than today, and we have lost. That’s football sometimes. The players made an incredible effort, it was an incredibly good result, the spirit is unbelievable, but there are still margins to improve.”
This could spell trouble for the rest of England’s elite league, especially with talents like Rodri and John Stones yet to make their mark this season.
As Arsenal fans can attest from recent years, a strong start doesn’t guarantee immunity from the chasing pack.
