The good news keeps coming for Arsenal after an emphatic Champions League win over Club Brugge, with the club set to be boosted by one piece of January business
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
04:00, 12 Dec 2025
Nuno Tavares could help net Arsenal a sizeable fee this winter if Lazio decide to sell(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal look set to demonstrate their transfer nous via a piece of business involving a player who’s not even at the club. Fresh on the heels of their Champions League win over Club Brugge, the Gunners already have one piece of profit on the cards next month.
That’s following word Nuno Tavares could be on the exit ramp at Lazio, with one big suitor already queuing up for his signature. And a particularly profitable sell-on clause would give the Gunners a sizeable portion of any fee.
It’s not all positive at the Emirates, however, after Pep Guardiola sent former understudy Mikel Arteta a stark warning. Mirror Football provides some of the latest headlines from north London as Arsenal prepare to host Wolves on Saturday.
Arsenal set for January transfer ‘gift’
Arsenal flop Tavares made his final appearance for the club all the way back in May 2022. But almost four years later, the Portugal international could be poised to net his former employers a considerable sum if he leaves Lazio next month.
Tavares, 25, joined the Eagles in 2024 after a successful loan spell but has failed to inspire this season. The left-back was even booed during Lazio’s draw at home to Bologna on Sunday, where he was hooked at half-time.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus makes Arsenal injury return confession and hands Mikel Arteta big boostREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola sends Arsenal ominous warning after Man City beat Real Madrid
Il Messaggero has reported Arsenal have a massive 40% sell-on clause in the player’s contract, which runs until 2029. And while Lazio president Claudio Lotito has indicated there won’t be any major departures from the Stadio Olimpico next month, Tavares is one name who might be considered.
What’s more, it’s alleged the player has already given his approval to one Saudi club raising interest. And talks have reportedly taken place between intermediaries hoping to execute a winter deal.
Arsenal didn’t quite make back their £8million investment when they sold Tavares to Lazio last year. However, Saudi sides have proved they can often pay above market value to make deals happen, which could result in a very welcome windfall back at the Emirates if he’s moved on.
Pep Guardiola sends Gunners warning
As if a 2-1 comeback win at Real Madrid wasn’t enough of a signal of intent in itself, Guardiola has left no room for interpretation. And his message if that if you think Manchester City look good now, just wait until the new year.
Guardiola has said Man City are still yet to reach their potential as the title race heats up(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s recent loss to Aston Villa helped close the gap at the top of the Premier League back to just two points. And City boss Guardiola has warned the opposition his side are ready to realise their potential in the coming months.
“We are [far] away,” the City boss told TNT Sports in his post-match interview. “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.”
That’s terrifying news for the rest of England’s top flight, with stars like Rodri and John Stones barely featuring so far this term. And just as Arsenal have witnessed in recent seasons, it wouldn’t be the first time the Gunners have started strong, only to be clawed back by the rest of the pack.
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