In-demand Arsenal star poised for transfer - club chief hints at massive €70m price tag: report

web editor  

Arsenal is focusing on strengthening their squad this month rather than selling players, as Mikel Arteta has a limited number of players available. The team suffered a disappointing 2-0 lead loss to Aston Villa recently, prompting Arteta to express the need for a new addition before the transfer window closes in February.

“At the moment we don't have them, we are actively trying to find the best possible solution but we will have to wait and see what we can do,” he told reporters.

Arsenal might be the beneficiaries of a big sale, to help fund new signings

Arsenal have been linked with several forwards, including Benjamin Sesko, as Arteta has admitted that he would like cover with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus sidelined.

Saka picked up a hamstring injury in December before Jesus was ruled out for the season during the FA Cup third round defeat to Manchester United when he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament.

As the Gunners scrimp the money together to afford a new name, Nuno Tavares is a forgotten man on the payroll who could help boost the coffers for a new buy.

A report from CaughtOffside says that the left-back, on loan with Lazio, is in such good form that he's beginning to interest Premier League sides again. Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has confirmed that Chelsea are in the race for his signature.

Get FourFourTwo NewsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Tavares has an option to join the Biancazzurri should he hit a number of targets this season – but the interest is still good news for Arsenal, who will have a sell-on percentage. Even better news, Lazio president Claudio Lotito confirmed earlier this season that he values the star north of €70 million.

While FourFourTwo understands that the 24-year-old isn't valued to be worth as much as that by the sides interested in signing him, Arsenal still stand to make money from his next transfer.

' transfer expert Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that the figure is believed to be 20 per cent – while the sale of Tavares to Lazio will trigger a fee, too – meaning that Arsenal could make around £20m if Lazio get their asking price. According to the BBC, the Portuguese only joined the north Londoners for £8m, meaning that they could stand to make a good profit on his depature.

Tavares is worth €25m, as per Transfermarkt. Arsenal take on Dinamo Zagreb this week, as Champions League action returns.