Graham Potter, Nuno Tavares
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Mon 7 July 2025 18:10, UK
West Ham desperately need to add greater depth on the left side of their defence this summer.
The departure of Aaron Cresswell has left Emerson as the only remaining senior left-back at the club, and Graham Potter will surely be keen to add another option, despite the emergence of Oliver Scarles in the latter stages of last season.
The Hammers have been credited with an interest in Nuno Tavares recently, with Lazio setting a pricetag of £17.3million on the former Arsenal man.
West Ham had been preparing for a battle with Leeds United to secure the Portuguese’s signature, but they have now identified another potential option to fill their left-back spot.
Aaron Cresswell
Cresswell’s departure has left West Ham short of left-backs. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham launch Nicolas Tagliafico enquiry
The need for West Ham to sign a left-back has been exaggerated even further by the uncertainty surrounding Emerson’s future at the London Stadium.
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The Italian has just one year remaining on his current contract in E20, and it makes sense for West Ham to cash in on the defender while they still have the chance.
Tavares had emerged as a fairly attractive proposition, following a strong season in Italy last time out, but now the Hammers could be lining up a deal that is even more exciting.
They are understood to have already enquired about the services of Nicolas Tagliafico, according to Marca (7 July).
Several clubs are queuing up to sign the World Cup winner, who is available on a free transfer after recently leaving Lyon after three years with the French giants.
Everton are also believed to have made contact with the Argentine’s representatives, but it is Roma who are currently understood to hold a slight advantage in the race.
Nicolas Tagliafico
West Ham have enquired about Tagliafico’s services. (Credit: Imago)
Tagliafico should take priority over Tavares
Emerson’s potential departure means that Potter may need multiple new left-backs ahead of the opening day of the season, but for now, at least, West Ham should retract their interest in Tavares to prioritise Tagliafico.
Backing away from the Tavares deal would allow them to do everything in their power to fight off the competition for Tagliafico, who would provide invaluable big-game experience for Potter’s team.
Club Apps Goals Assists
Ajax 169 16 21
Independiente 111 2 3
Lyon 102 9 7
Banfield 92 3 –
Real Murcia (Loan) 28 – –
Tagliafico’s career stats.
The 32-year-old has 70 caps for his country and was part of the Argentina side that lifted the World Cup back in 2022. He has also enjoyed years of experience in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League across his stints with Lyon and Ajax.
Tavares showed promise with eight assists in Serie A last term, but he simply can’t match the level of nous and defensive ability that Tagliafico would bring.
The lack of a transfer fee to bring the veteran in would allow West Ham to throw money at his wage demands, and that must surely be their priority at this moment in time.
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