Arsenal Set ‘Low’ Asking Price for £22m Arteta Signing Amid Juventus Interest

Arsenal could see two of their defenders move to Serie A this summer, with reports suggesting that Lazio are keen on acquiring left-back Nuno Tavares.

Tavares joined Arsenal for around £7 million in the 2021 summer transfer window and spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

His time at the City Ground was disappointing, especially after a promising loan spell with French club Marseille the previous year.

The 24-year-old had impressed in France, leading Arsenal to hope for a profitable sale last summer.

However, they ended up sanctioning a loan move to Forest despite reports of Premier League rivals being willing to pay around £30 million for a permanent transfer.

Interest from Italy

Tavares is unlikely to be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the upcoming season. Fortunately for Arsenal, there is interest from Italy. Serie A giants Lazio are reportedly eager to sign a new full-back and have inquired about Tavares.

Lazio has made several inquiries about potential full-backs, including one for Tavares.

While no formal bid has been made yet, Lazio is considering the logistics of a transfer, with player sales likely to be crucial for financing any move.

Tavares is out of contract next year, and after a couple of difficult years away from Arsenal, the club will be looking to cash in. However, Lazio might only be open to a loan deal for the 2024/25 season, which doesn’t align with Arsenal’s plans.

Potential Departure of Jakub Kiwior

Another player who might leave Arsenal this summer is Polish international Jakub Kiwior. The Gunners signed Kiwior from Serie A side Spezia for around £22 million in January 2023.

Since his move to North London, Kiwior has struggled for consistent playing time and has been linked with a return to Italy.

Reports from Italy suggest that the potential signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori could pave the way for Kiwior’s departure. Juventus, who appear to have missed out on Calafiori, are now keen on Kiwior.

New Juventus boss Thiago Motta, who previously managed Kiwior at Spezia, is reportedly interested in a reunion.

In a boost for Juventus, it is claimed that Kiwior’s asking price is “not even that high” and a transfer is now a “concrete possibility.” Arsenal is reportedly willing to sell the 24-year-old for around €15 million (£12.7 million), a fee that Juventus is comfortable with.

This low asking price makes Kiwior’s departure a situation to watch, especially if Calafiori’s arrival pushes him further down Arsenal’s pecking order.