Chelsea have allegedly expressed an interest in signing a former Arsenal defender as they bid to finalise the sale of Cesare Casadei.
Throughout the January transfer window, club officials have been bidding to attract suitable proposals for the Italy Under-21 international.
As it stands, though, several Serie A clubs have tried and failed to complete a deal for the 21-year-old, who has not featured for Chelsea since December 19.
The Premier League giants are allegedly looking for a fee between £15m and £20m for the prospect, who is yet to play a single minute of senior football in his homeland during his career.
Whether those demands will be met in due course remains to be seen, yet it appears that conversations with one of their Italian counterparts has led to surprise interest in a player no stranger to English football.
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Tavares added to Chelsea shortlist?
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who was commenting on X, Chelsea have requested information on the availability of Lazio's Nuno Tavares.
The 24-year-old initially joined Arsenal in 2021, going onto make 22 appearances during his first Premier League campaign before falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta.
A successful loan stint at Marseille was followed by a disastrous one at Nottingham Forest, yet the Portuguese is now excelling in the colours of Lazio.
Tavares has contributed an incredible eight assists from 16 appearances in Serie A, already proving value for money to Lazio who are obligated to push through a £7.5m deal at the end of the season.
However, Pedulla says that Lazio have no intention of parting ways with Tavares at the midway point of the campaign as they bid to qualify for the Champions League.
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Why are Chelsea in the market for a left-back?
Uncertainty remains over the short and long-term future of Renato Veiga, who allegedly wishes to be viewed as a centre-back as his career progresses.
The former Basel man is said to be a loan target for Borussia Dortmund who may also attempt to convince Chelsea to include an option to buy.
As it stands, only Marc Cucurella is ahead of him in the pecking order, while the fitness issues of Reece James ensure that Malo Gusto is not always available to deputise on the left when required.
Chelsea will also be parting ways with Ben Chilwell at some point before the February 3 deadline.
Darren Plant
