Arsenal defender explains decision to leave club with ex-midfielder playing key role in decision

A former Arsenal player has admitted that he was tempted by a former Gunners teammate to depart the club this summer.

Arsenal are hoping that this season will be the decisive campaign for the Gunners with Mikel Arteta hoping to mastermind the Gunners’ first Premier League title for over 20 years.

The North London side have been busy in the summer transfer window with Arsenal confirming the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori as the Italian is set to be a key player for the Gunners.

Arsenal are also keen on Mikel Merino with Mikel Arteta wanting the Real Sociedad midfielder in place by this weekend. Outgoings have also been key for the Gunners.

Nuno Tavares of Nottingham Forest is playing during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at the City Ground in No...

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Nuno Tavaves explains Arsenal exit

Nuno Tavares has joined Italian side Lazio on loan for the season from Arsenal, the latest in a growing list of moves for him in recent years.

Tavares has also played at Nottingham Forest and has also spent a spell at French side Marseille and the Portuguese ace is now on his third loan spell.

He’s hoping his time in Italy can help him to get his career back on track, after something of a frustrating year at Forest that saw them battling relegation.

Speaking to Italian outlet LazioPress, Tavares revealed that former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi played a key role in him departing the club.

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“I had several experiences on my trip, the best was in Marseille. In Nottingham, we fought against relegation and that made me stronger mentally,” he said.

“He (Guendouzi) had a fundamental role; we spoke three times, and he convinced me to make this choice. I want to play as much as possible because my goal is to win matches and trophies.

“I feel much better, I’m doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible. I think there is little time left until I return but I can’t say a date.”

Tavares tipped to excel at Lazio

Former Arsenal midfielder Guendouzi had stated that Tavares can become one of the best in the country after the move to the Italian side.

“I think he can become one of the best players in Italy,” he said. Since his move to North London from Benfica, the left-back has struggled to make an impact.

However, with a fresh chance ahead of him in Serie A, the Portuguese star will finally be hoping to make a key impact for the Italian giants.