Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso has publicly stated that Nuno Tavares possesses the technical and physical profile to perform for Real Madrid, though he emphasized that the defender's career has been hindered by a lack of consistent application. Gattuso made the remarks during a pre-match press engagement ahead of Lazio's Serie A fixture against AC Milan on September 14, 2026.
Speaking to DAZN Italia, the Italian coach drew a comparison between the 26-year-old’s raw capability and his struggles to maintain focus. "I have always said that Nuno Tavares is a player of Real Madrid's level," Gattuso said. "He has everything: speed, a great right foot, a great left foot. It is unusual, but after a match, he needs time to recover. He knows he has talent and could have played for 10 or 12 years at Real Madrid with his qualities. You just have to get inside his head and make him understand."
The Portuguese defender, who originally joined Lazio on loan from Arsenal for the 2024/25 campaign, completed a permanent transfer to the Italian club in the summer of 2025. While the fee for the permanent switch was reported to be just under €6 million, Arsenal retained a significant sell-on clause, ensuring a continued financial interest in his future valuation. Following his inconsistent tenure at Arsenal and subsequent loan spells at Marseille and Nottingham Forest, Tavares has experienced fluctuating form in Rome.
Lazio previously set a reported asking price of €20 million for the player during the summer of 2026, though no formal offers materialised. The club's desire to offload the defender was framed earlier in the season as a move to fund other squad reinforcements, given the current financial constraints. As he continues to feature under Gattuso, his performance levels remain a key factor for any future market movement.
