With the special transfer window closing tomorrow, the Bianconeri are trying to pull out all of the stops to bolster their backline in time for the cash-rich Club World Cup.
Nuno Tavares, who joined Lazio last July on loan with a conditional obligation to buy, kicked off the Serie A in style. The Portuguese international provided eight goal assists in his opening nine games.
Instant impact
Various injuries, including a hamstring issue, meant he was only involved in 23 league matches. Yet the 25-year-old was still nominated for the coveted A Defender of the Year award.
Tavares recently signed a three-year-old deal with Lazio, which cost the club €5 million (US$5.7m). They have attracted serious interest from both Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal and Juventus with the Club World Cup pending and big bucks up for grabs.
Despite a price tag of €30m (US$34.2m), which would not deter Al-Hilal or Juventus as they both prepare for the Club World Cup. Lazio are reluctant to let Tavares leave as Arsenal will earn 40% of any future resale profits.
Inzaghi competition
Former Juve managerial target Simone Inzaghi has been keen to raid the Italian top tier to strengthen his squad since taking over Al-Hilal last week. Al-Hilal’s bid was a €25m (US$28.5m) fee with an additional €5m (US$5.7m) as bonuses and add-ons.
There’s a chance that the ex-Inter Milan head coach can land his target. Lazio could be open to negotiations if the overall price was balanced more favorably towards bonuses, as Arsenal would only receive 40% of the fixed fee.
This factor opens the doors for Juventus to scupper Al-Hilal for the former Benfica star. He could be the perfect replacement for Andrea Cambiaso, who could be sold for at least €60m (US$68.4m) to either AC Milan or Manchester City this summer.
The lure of competing in the Club World Cup finals, which kick off on 14 June, could prove irresistible to Tavares, although neither Al-Hilal nor Juve will want him to become ravaged by further injuries ahead of the next league season.