Besiktas ‘have raised’ offer for Lazio full-back Nuno Tavares | OneFootball

According to Alfredo Pedullà, Besiktas have revived their pursuit of Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares and have increased their bid to €14 million. The Istanbul club had initially offered €10 million plus bonuses, while Lazio were holding out for €15 million.

Tavares joined from Arsenal in summer 2024 and started brightly, delivering eight assists in eight matches. His progress was checked by muscle injuries, and this season he has struggled to adapt to Maurizio Sarri’s more defensive, systematic approach compared to Marco Baroni’s.

The Portuguese has slipped behind Luca Pellegrini in Sarri’s pecking order, prompting links with a mid-season exit. Interest emerged from Sergio Conceicao’s Al-Ittihad, and Cesc Fabregas said he was among Como’s options earlier in the window. Besiktas have been the most persistent suitors.

With the gap narrowing, it remains to be seen if an agreement can be reached in time. The Italian window closes on Monday at 19:00 CET, while clubs in Türkiye can still register signings until six February. This negotiation could therefore continue for a few days.

Arsenal sold Tavares to Lazio in July 2024 for around six million euros, and inserted a sell-on believed to be between 35% and 40%. A move to Türkiye would provide a boost for the North London club. If Lazio do sell now, Sarri could turn to Elseid Hysaj as cover for Pellegrini while awaiting Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza, who has agreed to join on a free in July.

Source: The Laziali