As Arsenal prepare for a pivotal Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, the club's hierarchy is also laying the groundwork for potential January business, with a welcome financial boost potentially on the horizon.
Defender's Sale Could Trigger Arsenal Windfall
Mikel Arteta's transfer plans may receive a timely injection of funds thanks to a shrewd clause inserted in the sale of former defender Nuno Tavares. According to reports from Italy, the 25-year-old left-back could be on the move again just months after his permanent switch to Lazio in the summer of 2025.
Tavares, who spent four years with the Gunners after joining from Benfica, failed to cement a first-team place and was subsequently loaned to Marseille and Nottingham Forest. His subsequent loan to Lazio included an option to buy, which the Serie A side activated. Crucially, Arsenal negotiated a 25% sell-on clause as part of that permanent deal.
Should Lazio now sell the Portuguese defender, the Gunners would be entitled to a quarter of the transfer fee. This potential income is seen as a positive step for a club that has sometimes struggled to maximise player sales, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's departure still holding the club-record sale status.
Gunners in Multi-Club Battle for French Prospect
Beyond potential incoming funds, Arsenal's recruitment team remains active in the market. The club has revived its interest in Rennes' highly-rated young centre-back, Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old Frenchman has become a regular fixture for his Ligue 1 side this season, making 16 league appearances so far. His rapid development has not gone unnoticed across Europe, sparking a significant transfer tussle.
Arsenal are reportedly among a host of elite clubs monitoring Jacquet's situation. However, they face fierce competition from domestic rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, as well as European giants Real Madrid. Rennes moved quickly to secure Jacquet's future in May 2025, tying him to a new contract that runs until 2029, but the growing interest may test their resolve to keep him.
Financial Context and On-Field Focus
Any additional revenue from a Tavares sale would be a welcome boost to Arsenal's finances following a significant summer outlay, which totalled approximately £250 million. It would provide greater flexibility to balance the books or pursue other targets.
Meanwhile, the pursuit of Jacquet underscores Arsenal's strategy of identifying young, high-potential talent. Convincing the defender to choose the Emirates over other suitors will be a challenge, given the intense competition and Arsenal's own considerable depth in central defence following the summer signings of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.
All this background activity unfolds as the first-team squad focuses on the title race, with the upcoming match against Liverpool at the Emirates on 8 January 2026 representing a crucial moment in the campaign. The outcome on the pitch will be paramount, but the work being done behind the scenes could shape the club's trajectory for seasons to come.
