Nicolas Tagliafico helped Ajax reach the semi-final of the Champions League in the 2017/18 campaign (Getty Images)
Back in April 2019, The Sun had claimed that Arsenal were interested in signing Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico. However, a move didn’t materialise and the defender stayed put at Ajax.
Nicolas Tagliafico, 27, had a fantastic 2018/19 season with Ajax after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He had played 46 games across all competitions, scoring six goals and assisting as many times. The Argentine was a regular fixture in Erik Ten Hag’s side, helping the Eredivisie giants reach the Champions League semi-finals last year.
The left-back has succeeded in replicating his performances in the Eredivisie this term. Tagliafico has registered three goals and three assists in 23 games as Ajax are top of the table. With the 27-year-old enjoying another impressive season at the Johan Cruijff Arena, Arsenal must rekindle their interest in him when the transfer window opens in the summer.
The Gunners’ form has improved of late under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta. Even though they have been eliminated from the Europa League, Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last two league games and remain unbeaten in the league since New Year. The North London giants are 10th in the table, within touching distance of European qualification.
With Arsenal conceding goals at an alarming rate, Arteta focused on reinforcing his defence in January by signing Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares from Flamengo and Southampton respectively. Despite the addition of Mari and William Saliba set to officially join Arsenal in June, there’s still a lack of quality in defence.
Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have faced a lot of injury issues and Arteta has turned towards Bukayo Saka to cover the left-back area. He has done well so far despite playing in a different position.
However, the Arsenal manager cannot afford to start the next season with Saka at left-back and should make it one of his priorities to strengthen that area. That being said, the Gunners should go for Nicolas Tagliafico.
Tagliafico is known for his versatility as he is capable of playing anywhere on the left flank. Predominantly a left-back, he has also played in a three-man backline and also as a left wing-back at Ajax under Erik Ten Hag.
The Argentine is 27 and could be a smart signing for Mikel Arteta’s side given his experience in European football. Versatility is a quality that is always beneficial to a team and Arsenal would not be an exception.
The left-back has made 102 appearances for Ajax so far since joining from Independiente in January 2018. The Argentina international made 46 appearances in all competitions and scored 6 goals and provided 6 assists last season. He has registered five goals and six assists in 37 games played this season, which means his strengths lie in the attacking areas as well, as his stats suggest.
Tagliafico is an experienced player who has 25 caps for Argentina as well. His inclusion would add both quality and depth to Arsenal’s defence. Therefore, the Gunners must do everything in their powers to sign the 27-year-old defender from Ajax this summer.
