Arsenal Miss Out on Profit as Lazio Turn Down Turkish Offer | OneFootball

Lazio are determined to keep Nuno Tavares among their ranks despite receiving an offer from Turkish giants Besiktas.

Nuno Tavares Has Had Ups & Downs at Lazio

The Portuguese joined the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2024 initially on loan from Arsenal, before sealing a permanent transfer for €6 million a year later. The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar start to his Italian experience, contributing with eight assists in as many matches, before seeing his momentum derailed by recurring muscle injuries.

The full-back’s second season in Rome began on a torrid note, as he struggled to cope with Maurizio Sarri’s more disciplined and defensive approach compared to Marco Baroni’s. But following a long spell on the bench, he regained his starting role from Luca Pellegrini during the second half of the season.

Lazio Reject Beskitas Offer for Tavares

According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Besiktas have offered the Aquile €10 million for Tavares, but the Italians swiftly turned down the offer, opting to keep the left-back at Formello. For their part, Arsenal, who have a 35% sell-on fee, have missed out on a slight financial boost.

Tavares Will Vie With Alfonso Pedraza for Starting Berth

The Roman newspaper explains that Gennaro Gattuso is pleased to reunite with Tavares, who was at his disposal during his tenure at Olympique Marseille. Despite the arrival of Alfonso Pedraza on a free transfer, the Italian head coach is counting on the Portuguese international. The two players are expected to compete for a starting role, while Pellegrini will likely be sold.