Arsenal's efforts to sell defender Nuno Tavares are being held up thanks to another deal involving Manchester United's Mason Greenwood.

The Gunners have been open about their intention to offload players they deem surplus to requirements in recent seasons, and it appears Tavares is no different. Lazio are understood to be hunting a deal for the left-back, but the deal is complicated and leaves Mikel Arteta in an awkward position because they only want Tavares - whose deal expires in 2025 - on loan, The Mirror reports.

Tavares has struggled to secure a spot in Arteta's squad since signing from Benfica for PS8million in 2021, and he seems destined for a permanent exit following a string of loan spells. Serie A outfit Lazio have reportedly expressed solid interest in the defender during a meeting, but they're also believed to be in a complex negotiation for United outcast Greenwood.

Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe, where he notched 10 goals and six assists. With a reported valuation of between PS40m and PS50m, United have allegedly turned down Lazio's initial offer of PS21million for the player, deeming it too far below their asking price.

Calciomercato reported the Eagles have set a deadline of July 8 to finalise a move for Greenwood. This coincides with the start of United's pre-season, and Lazio hope they can persuade the Red Devils into a discounted deal to avoid Greenwood languishing elsewhere - although Marseille are reportedly confident of beating the Serie A side to his signature.

The pursuit of Tavares, 24, is being held up as the clock ticks towards the transfer deadline, with the majority of their attention still firmly on the English forward. However, reports indicate Lazio also need to sell players before they can reinvest this summer.

Tavares' representative has reportedly been in touch with the Italians to try and push the deal over the line. A meeting is said to be scheduled for the coming days, but it's likely to happen after the Italian club's Greenwood deadline.

Loan spells at Marseille and Nottingham Forest haven't quite worked out for the former Portugal Under-21 international. With Tavares' set to become a free agent in 2025, a permanent sale looks like the only realistic solution.

However, it appears the defender will remain in a state of limbo by Lazio while the Greenwood deal takes precedence.