Chelsea make shock ‘request’ for Arsenal flop as Romano reveals ‘formal inquiry’; Guehi “indicated price”

Premier League giants Chelsea have reportedly made a ‘request’ for Arsenal outcast Nuno Tavares, who is currently on loan at Serie A outfit Lazio.

The 24-year-old joined Arsenal in 2021 from Portuguese side Benfica and made 28 appearances for the Premier League side during the 2021/22 campaign.

The move came prematurely for the one-cap Portugal international as he was heavily criticized for his poor performances and has fallen down the pecking order.

Tavares has not played for Arsenal since the end of the 2021/22 season. He had spells at Marseille and Nottingham Forest before joining Lazio on loan this summer.

He seems to have impressed Chelsea as a report from Alfredo Pedulla claims they have ‘requested information’ about the left-back.

READ: Ten loan Premier League clubs should consider recalling in January

England international Marc Guehi could be a more credible option for Chelsea as it has been widely reported that they are considering re-signing the centre-back this month.

Guehi is out of contract in 2026 so it is likely only a matter of time before he leaves Palace after Newcastle United missed out on him this summer.

The 24-year-old’s valuation is likely to drop in the coming months. Despite this, former Premier League scout Mick Brown has ‘named his asking price’ and claimed he could cost around £65million during this window.

In an interview with Football Insider, Brown said: “I hear Chelsea want to make a move for him. It’s interesting because when Newcastle wanted him this summer they played hard over the £5m difference between the offer and their valuation.

“Palace did it because they wanted to keep him for the season, so six months later they won’t now accept an even lower price.”

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“They were reluctant to let him leave in the summer and they are even more reluctant to let him leave mid-season because of his importance to the team.

“Especially now that Chalobah has gone, they don’t want to lose another defender.

“Yes, I can see Chelsea wanting to take him back, but can they afford what Palace are asking for? Because I think he’s going to cost upwards of £65m, just like in the summer.

“That price tag may drop at the end of the season because of his contract situation, but at the moment I don’t think they will drop his price tag. Otherwise you have to ask why they would accept say £50m when they could have had £70 million.”

Chelsea have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund standout Jamie Gittens and Fabrizio Romano has revealed they have submitted a ‘formal enquiry’ to the Bundesliga side.

He said: “Chelsea made a formal inquiry for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens last week, while Liverpool have also sent their scouts several times to follow his progress this season.

“Borussia Dortmund expect JBG to stay in January; meanwhile, the top English clubs are starting to make their moves.”