Roma Reject Opportunity To Sign Nuno Tavares From Arch-Rivals Lazio
Nuno Tavares currently plays for Roma's arch-rivals Lazio.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 20 January 2026
Roma have been offered the chance to sign Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares, according to reports in Italy.
Sporting director Frederic Massara is looking to provide Gian Piero Gasperini with a new left-sided player suited to his system.
Meanwhile, Tavares is currently out of favour at Lazio, with just 10 appearances in all competitions this season.
Why Roma have turned down Nuno Tavares
According to Radio Mana Mana Sport, Frederic Massara has been offered the opportunity to sign Nuno Tavares.
However, the Roma chief is said to have turned the idea down quickly, despite their need for left-sided reinforcements.
RomaPress say “environmental” and “strategic” factors influenced the decision, meaning Roma did not view Tavares as a viable target.
A direct deal between the two Rome rivals is rarely straightforward, with Tavares likely to be under more scrutiny than other players.
Tavares certainly has qualities that Roma normally like, such as pace, power, and the ability to carry the ball forward from deep.
However, Roma appear focused on finding a profile that better fits Gasperini’s needs and the balance inside the dressing room.
Who else Roma are looking at on the left flank
Gian Piero Gasperini has been unable to use Angelino for some time due to health reasons and is unconvinced by Kostas Tsimikas.
And with Nuno Tavares seemingly not in Roma’s sights, they will need to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Recent speculation suggests Roma want Niccolo Fortini, the 19-year-old Fiorentina wing-back also on Juventus’ radar.
Reports say Roma have already made at least one bid, with Fiorentina holding out for a higher fee and talks ongoing.
Roma also like Mathys Tel, who could soon on his way out of Tottenham.
Who else is looking at Nuno Tavares
Tavares joined Lazio from Arsenal on a permanent deal in June 2025, after spending time away from north London on loan.
With Lazio, he has been used as an attacking full-back, but he is no longer in Maurizio Sarri’s main plans.
Earlier this week, Nicolo Schira said Como are among clubs monitoring his situation, while Besiktas are also in the picture.
#Como have shown interest in #Lazio’s left back Nuno #Tavares. #Arsenal have 35% on the sale. Expected direct talks tonight. #Besiktas are still interested, but has no reached an agreement yet on the conditions of the obligation to buy. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 19, 2026
For Lazio and Tavares, the next steps depend on who makes a serious offer. In addition, player must decide whether he sees his future staying in Serie A.
In other Roma news, Leon Bailey has left, returning to parent club Aston Villa.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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