Chelsea could see their transfer fee re-routed to Arsenal.placeholder image
Chelsea could see their transfer fee re-routed to Arsenal. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Nuno Tavares left the Emirates Stadium for good this summer but Arsenal hold a sell-on clause.
Arsenal could be eyeing a financial windfall from a potential Chelsea transfer move in January with their London rivals linked with a swoop for a former Gunners star.
The Blues and Arsenal exchanged money this summer with deals brokered between the Premier League rivals. Arsenal signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million and then returned to fork out £48.5 million for winger Noni Madueke.
Now, it could be Chelsea money coming back to the Emirates Stadium amid fresh reports from Italy. However, the cash would travel to the Serie A before finding its way back to London.
Chelsea linked with Serie A transfer
LaLazioSiamoNoi claim that Enzo Maresca’s side are monitoring a potential move for Lazio defender Nuno Tavares. The 25-year-old has seen his stock rise since moving to Italy and is a regular starter for Lazio.
Tavares initially joined the Serie A club on loan from Arsenal in July 2024 and that move became permanent this summer for a lowly €9 million. However, part of that sale included a sell-on clause being inserted into the agreement.
Chelsea are said to be admirers of Tavares, viewing him as a player who could fit well into Maresca’s system with his bombarding runs forward from full back. OneFootball claimed last season that the defender had been dubbed the ‘King of Assists’ by media in Italy. He went on to set up nine goals last season.
Arsenal would benefit from transfer windfall
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to meet a reported €50 million asking price, which is equivalent to around £44 million. OneFootball claim that the Arsenal sell-on clause is a lofty 40%, which would see £13 million going to the Emirates if that asking price is met.
It’s claimed that Maurizio Sarri is not as big a fan of what Tavares offers as last year’s boss Maurizio Sarri, asking Lazio to look at signing a new full-back in January as a ‘priority’.
While it’s easy to see how Tavares would fit into the Maresca system, a move for another player in that position would come as somewhat of a surprise. Chelsea finished the match against Liverpool last time out with four full-backs on the pitch due to injuries to players in the centre-back position.
Reece James, Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella and Jorrel Hato were the defenders who finished that game, with Gusto having started in the centre of the park. There is already healthy competition for the wing-back roles but free spending Chelsea are known for their high player turnover.
In other news, Chelsea must stay out of race to sign England star Thomas Tuchel says is 'very good' amid transfer links.
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