Lazio president Lotito has admitted he wouldn't even sell Nuno Tavares for £58.9million (€70million) next summer. The 24-year-old - who joined the Biancocelesti on loan with an obligation to buy from Arsenal in the summer - has enjoyed a fine start to the season with eight assists from eight Serie A matches.
His form has been brilliant, and Lazio have a clause in his contract to purchase the Portuguese if certain conditions are met. Should Tavares meet those, the Gunners will receive a fee in the region of £7.6million, representing a small loss in comparison to the £8million that they paid for his services to Benfica in 2021.
It's safe to say Lazio are delighted with Tavares' progress since his move to the Stadio Olimpico, and there's great belief that the full-back will join the club on a permanent deal. And Lazio president Lotito has since heaped praise on the defender, holding him in regard as one of the best in Europe.
"I won't sell him - even for €70m (£58.9m)," Lotito said. "We have fought off a lot of competition from big clubs for the full-back." If that is the valuation that Lazio have set, then only two full-backs have been sold for more in world football, with Lucas Hernandez and Josko Gvardiol the pair involved.
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As part of Tavares' proposed permanent transfer to Lazio, Arsenal have inserted a sell-on clause of 25 per cent. He will be under contract until 2029, so there is plenty of time for the Gunners to potentially make some more money on him should he continue to impress and shine in Italy.
Speaking last month, Tavares revealed how the move to Lazio has made him feel "more at home". He told Jogo: "I feel more and more at home at Lazio. Fortunately, things are going well for me personally and collectively.
"I think that we have risen to the challenge and we can only think about improving. We still have a long way to go, but for now, the results are very positive. I feel good with my teammates. It's good to have this understanding with them in such a short space of time. We can only improve. I am very happy to be here."
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