Arsenal have been making notable progress under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, and with a solid squad now assembled, the club is positioning itself as a formidable force in the Premier League. However, a decision made by Arteta over the summer—allowing Nuno Tavares to depart on loan—may have raised some questions. Tavares, who is currently impressing at Lazio, has been showing his potential, but his recent success in Serie A may not be enough to secure him a future at Arsenal. The young Portuguese full-back had an up-and-down experience at Arsenal, with moments of brilliance that showcased his talents but also instances where he struggled to maintain consistency. This inconsistency, particularly in terms of defensive discipline, has perhaps made it difficult for Arteta to rely on him within his tactical system.
Arteta has high demands when it comes to the defensive qualities of his full-backs, prioritizing discipline and reliability in defense. Tavares, although capable of contributing offensively, did not always display the level of defensive stability Arteta seeks. This may have ultimately influenced the manager’s decision to explore other options for the left-back position. One such alternative is Riccardo Calafiori, whom Arsenal recently signed and seems to be regarded as a better fit for Arteta’s vision for the role. Calafiori’s signing hints at Arsenal’s long-term plan for the left-back position, which emphasizes a more structured approach aligned with Arteta’s strategic demands. While Tavares has managed an impressive seven assists this season at Lazio, underscoring his offensive capabilities, Arteta’s system favors full-backs who are strong defensively, which may explain why Tavares is not seen as the ideal option for Arsenal’s backline.
The loan move to Lazio could, however, work in Arsenal’s favor from a business perspective. Tavares’ strong performances in Italy have the potential to increase his market value, and Arsenal could use this as leverage in future transfer negotiations if they decide to let him go permanently. While Tavares’ current stint at Lazio is proving to be successful, it appears unlikely that he will be reintegrated into the Arsenal squad unless there are unforeseen tactical changes or injury setbacks that necessitate his return. For now, Arteta seems content with his options, and Tavares’ future with the Gunners remains uncertain.