Besiktas Raise Their Offer for Unwanted Lazio Full-Back | OneFootball

Besiktas and Lazio are reportedly closing in on an agreement for the transfer of Nuno Tavares, who is no longer part of Maurizio Sarri’s plans.

The Background

The 67-year-old already had his doubts about the Portuguese’s ability to adapt to his system, as the player is considered a bit too anarchic and attacking-minded for the manager’s liking. Nevertheless, the transfer ban left the Biancocelesti with no choice but to keep the 25-year-old, who ended up confirming Sarri’s fears, especially with his costly mistakes against Roma and Bologna.

Nuno Tavares No Longer Wanted at Lazio

Tavares, who was the toast of the town at Lazio during the first half of the previous campaign, is now considered surplus to requirements. The former Arsenal and Olympique Marseille man had been linked with a move to Al-Ittihad, where he would join his compatriot, Sergio Conceicao. However, he now appears close to sealing a transfer to Istanbul.

Besiktas Determined to Sign Nuno Tavares

According to Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina, talks between the full-back’s agents and Besiktas are ongoing, as the parties try to reach an agreement on personal terms.

Nuno Tavares (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Moreover, La Lazio Siamo Noi adds that the Turkish giants have raised their bid for Lazio to €15 million, while offering the player a yearly salary of €4 million. The source adds that Besiktas are about to sell Demir Ege Tiknaz to Braga, which should make room for the Portuguese’s arrival.

Lazio Identify Alfonso Pedraza as Tavares’ Replacement

For their part, Lazio have already lined up a direct replacement in the form of Alfonso Pedraza, whose contract with Villarreal will expire at the end of the season. The 29-year-old has reportedly given his word to the Biancocelesti, agreeing to join them in the summer. But if Tavares leaves this month, Lazio will attempt to bring forward the arrival of the Spanish left-back.