Chelsea have reportedly made inquiries about Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares, as per Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla. According to these reports, the Blues have requested information about the Portuguese defender ahead of a potential bid for him next summer. This news has caused a stir among Chelsea fans, many of whom have voiced strong objections to the idea of bringing Tavares back to London. His time at Arsenal was largely considered unsuccessful, and Chelsea supporters have expressed their frustration, with some calling for the club to end the transfer window immediately rather than pursue a move for a player who struggled at a rival club.
Tavares is currently on loan at Lazio from Arsenal, but his move will become permanent in July for a fee of £4.2 million. Because of the terms of his loan agreement, a transfer to Chelsea cannot occur in January, but the possibility of a deal in the summer remains a subject of speculation. Despite his underwhelming spell at Arsenal, Tavares has continued to play regularly in Serie A, and Lazio could be looking for a profit when they finalize his transfer to the club later this year. Chelsea’s interest in the 23-year-old left-back has raised eyebrows, particularly because of his disappointing performances in England, leading many to question whether he is the right fit for a Premier League team like Chelsea.
Tavares’ time at Arsenal was marked by inconsistent performances and defensive lapses, which led to him being loaned out to Marseille for the 2022-2023 season. His move to Lazio has provided him with more stability, but his future remains uncertain, especially with Chelsea now reportedly showing interest in acquiring him. If the Blues do decide to move for Tavares, it would likely be with the intention of strengthening their squad, particularly in the left-back position, where they have had some uncertainty this season. However, Chelsea fans have made it clear that they are not particularly excited about the prospect of Tavares joining the club, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on social media.
Chelsea’s interest in Tavares comes at a time when the club’s left-back position is in flux. Head coach Enzo Maresca currently has three left-backs in his squad, but there is a possibility that two of them could depart before the end of the January transfer window. Ben Chilwell, once a key figure in Chelsea’s defense, is no longer part of the club’s plans, and his transfer will be allowed as soon as the club reaches an agreement with another team. Chilwell’s departure would leave Chelsea needing to replace him, and Tavares could be seen as a potential candidate to fill that gap. The Blues are also facing the possibility of losing Renato Veiga, a left-back who joined Chelsea only last summer. Borussia Dortmund is reportedly trying to secure Veiga’s signature on loan, while Juventus has also shown interest in the Portuguese international.
In light of these potential departures, Chelsea may need to act quickly to bring in a new left-back to maintain depth in the squad. Tavares, despite his previous struggles at Arsenal, could be considered as a short-term solution for the club, especially if Lazio is willing to part with him for a reasonable fee. However, this would depend on whether Chelsea believes Tavares can adapt to the Premier League and improve on his performances in Italy. His time at Arsenal, where he often looked out of place and failed to meet expectations, raises doubts about his ability to succeed at a club like Chelsea, where the standards are high and the competition for places is fierce.
Chelsea’s potential move for Tavares also highlights the club’s ongoing rebuilding process under Maresca. The Blues have made several signings in recent seasons, but they have also seen a high turnover of players, with many transfers not working out as expected. Tavares would be another addition to the squad, but the question remains whether he is the right player to help Chelsea return to the top of the Premier League. While his time at Lazio has been more positive, there is still skepticism about his long-term prospects at a club of Chelsea’s stature.
Chelsea fans’ reaction to the news has been largely negative, with many supporters expressing their disbelief and frustration at the club’s interest in Tavares. Some fans have questioned the club’s transfer strategy, pointing to the fact that they have already spent significant amounts of money on players who have not lived up to expectations. The idea of bringing in Tavares, who was sold by Arsenal for a relatively low fee after failing to impress, has not gone down well with a large portion of the fanbase. Many feel that Chelsea should be targeting higher-quality players who can make an immediate impact, rather than taking a gamble on a player with a questionable track record in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will continue their pursuit of Tavares or if they will turn their attention to other targets. The club is in the midst of a challenging season, and while Maresca has made some positive changes, the left-back position is an area that has caused concern. Tavares, despite his struggles at Arsenal, has shown glimpses of potential in Italy, and Chelsea may believe that he could thrive in a new environment. However, the club must carefully assess whether Tavares can offer the quality and consistency needed to succeed in the Premier League.
In the meantime, Chelsea’s plans for the rest of the transfer window will likely depend on how the situation with their current left-backs develops. If Chilwell and Veiga leave the club, the Blues will need to find suitable replacements, and Tavares could be one option to consider. However, given the backlash from fans, the club may need to explore other alternatives to bolster their defense. The January transfer window is often a difficult time to make moves, and Chelsea will need to act quickly if they want to strengthen their squad before the end of the month.
The situation surrounding Tavares is a reminder of the risks involved in the transfer market. While players can show promise in other leagues, there is no guarantee that they will be able to make the transition to the Premier League. Tavares’ time at Arsenal is a testament to this, as he failed to make an impact and was ultimately sent out on loan. Chelsea will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a move for the defender, as the club cannot afford to make another mistake in the transfer market.
As the window draws to a close, Chelsea’s supporters will be hoping for more exciting and positive news regarding their club’s transfer business. The potential signing of Tavares, however, is unlikely to be the solution that the fans are hoping for. Instead, the Blues will need to focus on bringing in players who can help the team challenge for top honors once again. Whether Tavares is part of that future remains to be seen, but for now, the club’s focus will likely shift to addressing their more pressing needs in other areas of the squad.
