According to a report by Il Messaggero, as relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi, Nuno Tavares is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a left-back next year. So, the 25-year-old Lazio defender has emerged as a target for the West London club.
However, the 2024/25 FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League winners are not alone in the race to sign Tavares, as Serie A giants AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus are also vying for his signature. Meanwhile, Lazio will demand around €50 million to part ways with the Lisbon native, charging a high price due to Arsenal’s 40 per cent sell-on clause.
Nuno Tavares has finally established a stable foothold after years of uncertainties, having failed to make his mark during his ill-fated spell with Arsenal. The 25-year-old full-back’s loan spells were also a mixed bag before he landed on his feet during his stint with Lazio last season. The Serie A outfit eventually completed a permanent move this past summer.
The Portuguese international has chipped in with nine assists in 36 appearances thus far for Lazio, having also been a regular for the Biancocelesti this season. Meanwhile, Tavares’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Premier League outfits, in particular, have been interested in him for several months, with Chelsea among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Chelsea’s interest in Nuno Tavares is surprising. The West London club signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax in the summer transfer window, and the versatile Dutch defender will serve as Marc Cucurella’s deputy, also providing an option for the centre-back berths.
With Cucurella on top of his game and establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, the Blues do not need another left-back. Nevertheless, Tavares is a target for Chelsea, with the 2024/25 FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League winners testing the waters over a possible move.
However, Chelsea will face stiff competition from AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus for the 25-year-old Portuguese full-back’s signature. Meanwhile, Lazio will hope to recoup around €50 million from Tavares’s sale, as they owe a 40 per cent sell-on clause to Arsenal. However, they may not receive their desired sum due to his wages. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the player.
