Nicolas Tagliafico in action for Ajax. (Getty Images)
According to The Sun (h/t Daily Mail), Arsenal are weighing up a £20million move for Ajax full-back Nicolas Tagliafico this summer.
The 27-year-old Argentine has quickly established himself as one of the top left-backs in Europe after guiding Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League last year.
Tagliafico also won a domestic double in his maiden season with Ajax since moving to the Dutch giants from Independiente in January 2018.
Meanwhile, the report also suggests that having already proved his mettle with Ajax, Tagliafico is now keen to take his game to the next level and is eager to move elsewhere.
Ajax, on the other hand, are willing to let go of Tagliafico, whom they value around £20million if they receive suitable offers ahead of next season. Tagliafico has been a standout performer for the Eredivisie side ever since his arrival. He has continued his good form from last season this year as well.
He has featured in 24 of their 25 league outings and has missed just one match this season due to suspension. This shows Tagliafico’s consistency and worth in the current Ajax line-up.
It’s not just his consistency that has stood out. Tagliafico’s attacking instincts have seen him contribute to the side with three goals and four assists in the league. So far, he has played 99 times for the Dutch champions across all competitions. He has 12 goals and 15 assists under his belt, proving that he is a talent to watch out.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are in need of a new left-back. They have played teenage winger Bukayo Saka in that position. Injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac had forced the Gunners to deploy young Saka at the back this season.
Tierney just arrived at the Emirates from Celtic last summer. However, he has spent most of his time on the sidelines after sustaining a hip and shoulder injury.
Kolasinac initially replaced him but inconsistency and injuries put him down the pecking order, opening the gates for Saka. Despite proving his credentials as a top talent this season, with three goals and nine assists for the Gunners, Saka is still just 18 and has a lot more to improve.
Moreover, he is a winger rather than a left-back. Considering Arsenal’s poor defensive displays this season, they could really do with a proven left-back like Tagliafico. Hence, they should not think twice but land the in-form Argentine soon.
At the moment, Arsenal just have two outright left-backs and Tagliafico’s addition will only make them stronger. Moreover, he will also give newcomer Tierney some competition for a starting role, which in turn, will help Arsenal.
