Chelsea target Arsenal FLOP as January deal edges closer

Chelsea are reportedly eager to sign Lazio defender Nuno Tavares amid reports that Renato Veiga could leave the club this month.

Veiga, 21, has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit over the past few weeks, with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund both in talks to land him before the January transfer window closes.

Ben Chilwell is also expected to leave Chelsea following his lack of game time under Enzo Maresca, and the Blues are now in the market for a new left-back as a result.

READ MORE: Chelsea transfer BLUNDER – Blues set to lose money on Joao Felix

Milos Kerkez has previously been linked with a move to west London, although Liverpool and Manchester United are set to battle for his signature this summer following his immense recent form at Bournemouth.

As a result, Chelsea have now identified Tavares as a potential transfer option, according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

The 24-year-old is currently on loan at Lazio from Arsenal, but the deal is set to become permanent for a fee of less than €10 million this summer.

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca CONFIRMS Chelsea transfer decision

Tavares joined Arsenal back in 2021, however he has racked up just 28 appearances for the club and he has spent the past three seasons on loan at Marseille, Nottingham Forest and Lazio.

However, the Portugal international has notched eight assists in just 16 Serie A games so far this season, and although Lazio have no intention of selling Tavares during the January window, Chelsea have reportedly enquired over a possible transfer this summer.

Cesare Casadei to join Lazio?

Chelsea’s eagerness to sign Tavares comes following Lazio’s interest in Blues midfielder Cesare Casadei.

The Italy U21 international is expected to return to Serie A this month and Lazio are currently leading the race to sign him, despite competition from Torino.

Casadei favours a move to Lazio and Marco Baroni’s side are now close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea, according to multiple reports in Italy.