Nicolas Tagliafico has been linked with a move to Leicester City (Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato (h/t The Express), Chelsea are eyeing a move for Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico, who is one among several of their targets.
Tagliafico, 27, came through the ranks of club Atletico Banfield’s youth system and joined Independiente, where he made 105 appearances. He was a regular member of the team and played a key role in lifting the Copa Sudamericana trophy in the 2016/17 season.
He moved to Ajax in January 2018 and has been a key member of the squad since his arrival. He has been consistent in the past two years and was a vital cog in the Dutch giants’ title-winning last campaign, where they also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have struggled in the latter stages of the season despite occupying the 4th position in the Premier League table. The Blues’ boss Frank Lampard has had to do with a lot of injuries to his key players throughout the campaign.
Their defence has not been up to the mark with the likes of Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori not at their best. The left-backs, Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso, also haven’t been convincing enough, although the latter has done well only in the last few games.
The Blues have conceded 39 league goals so far, which is the most among the top six teams in the league. Therefore, to have a better defensive record, Lampard has to bring in reinforcements to his backline, especially at left-back.
Emerson has featured in just 14 league games and has not made any contribution to the team’s attack. Whereas, Alonso has featured in just 11 league games. Both of them have fallen down the pecking order under Lampard, who has often resorted to using Cesar Azpilicueta in that position.
Therefore, they should make a move for a natural left-back and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico would be a viable option for the English outfit.
The 27-year-old has featured in 38 games this term for the Dutch Champions, racking up 5 goals and 7 assists. He has been in very good form for the team and also has experience at a higher level.
The Argentine international has impressed heavily since arriving at Ajax and has also made 25 appearances for his national side. He’s capable of playing in the central defence despite being a natural left-back.
Chelsea have lacked consistency at the back and Tagliafico has been in fine form for the last few seasons. If he continues with the same form, the Argentine would bring in quality to the team in terms of both defensive and offensive units.
Therefore, Chelsea must make no mistake in their attempt to secure the Argentine’s services and lure him to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
