Arsenal are ready to make a transfer move for left-back Nicolas Tagliafico who currently plays for Ajax, according to reports in The Sun.
The report states that the player is also keen on making a move as he is looking for a new challenge after his successful spell in Amsterdam. Any deal to bring in Tagliafico will cost the North London club around £20m.
The Sun further claims that the defender is being watched by a number of clubs over the past few seasons including the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The North London club are reportedly keen on signing a left-back this summer, to allow promising youngster Bukayo Saka to play in his favored position. Saka has been a revelation this season as his adventurous play has got him many assists.
Due to injuries suffered by first-choice left-backs Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney, Saka has been forced to play in an unfamiliar position. But to his credit, he has done well on the left side of the Arsenal backline.
The youngster has still managed to contribute in an attacking sense and is more than decent on the defensive end. The potential signing of the Ajax left-back will free up Saka so that he can play on the wings.
Tagliafico has been linked with other clubs so the Gunners will have to fend off some serious competition to get their man. The chief executive of Ajax and former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that the Dutch club will not stand in the way of a player such as Tagliafico leaving. According to Metro, he said:
“Last year we made verbal agreements with Onana, Tagliafico and Van de Beek to stay another season and then we look to help each other and find the next step in their careers.”
“Nothing has changed. There won’t be a 50% discount. The clubs can forget about that.”
By showing that they value Saka, Arsenal will be hoping that they can convince the youngster to sign a new deal and keep him at the club for a long time. Tagliafico is a good player and can prove to be a valuable asset for the Gunners. If they really want to get their man, they will have to move quickly and beat other clubs to the left-back.
