Arsenal initially looked set to earn some transfer windfall on two former players during the winter window but unfortunately for the Gunners, deals failed to materialise
Arsenal have a notable sell-on clause for Nuno Tavares
Arsenal missed out on millions during the January transfer window as former players Nuno Tavares and Brooke Norton-Cuffy both saw deals collapse.
The Gunners successfully negotiated sell-on clauses when selling both stars to Lazio and Genoa, respectively.
Both full-backs were hot property this winter but for various reasons, moves elsewhere failed to materialise and both have ended up staying put in Italy.
There is still a very small chance Tavares could still join Besiktas before the Turkish window closes on Friday but given the move has already broke down twice, it seems unlikely discussions are revived again.
Arsenal have a 25 per cent sell-on clause for the Portugal international, though some Italian sources believe it could actually be worth as high as 35 per cent.
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What’s also interesting is Tavares hasn’t just seen a move to Besiktas fail since the start of the year.
First he looked likely to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad but the Middle Eastern club were unable to reach an agreement with Lazio.
Then Cesc Fabregas’ Como entered the picture and held talks over a deal but again, they couldn’t get an agreement in place with their Serie A counterparts.
Besiktas were close to shaking hands on a fee with Lazio but personal terms proved complex, scuppering the prospect of Tavares moving to Istanbul.
There’s a firm chance Tavares could still leave Lazio in the summer even though club president Claudio Lotito previously said in 2024 that he wouldn’t even sell the defender for €70m due to his sparkling form.
Meanwhile, Norton-Cuffy did not switch clubs either even though at one point, he looked to be headed for Inter Milan.
Former Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares stayed with Lazio despite widespread transfer interest(Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))
Inter were close to reaching an agreement with Genoa but decided against a move as Denzel Dumfries stayed put despite interest from Liverpool.
Juventus also considered signing the England U21 international and Arsenal have a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Everton were also in the running and were keen on bringing the player back to English shores. Genoa were keen on landing Nathan Patterson too but the parties couldn’t work out a deal that worked for everyone.
While Arsenal missed out on cash this time around, they’re still in line to profit from any summer moves.
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