Arsenal are reportedly interested in securing a move for Ajax star Nicholas Tagliafico in the summer, according to reports.
Tagliafico, who primarily operates as a left-back, has been a regular starter for Ajax this season. The Argentine has made 31 appearances so far, picking up an impressive tally of 5 goals and 5 assists along the way.
At 26 years old, Tagliafico is still relatively young and has quite a few years ahead of him. He wasn’t a particularly well known commodity, but his recent performances have brought him into the spotlight. His performance in the miraculous 4-1 drubbing of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League caught the eye of several top clubs, who have begun to take notice.
Amongst the crowd of interested parties suddenly queuing up for him are Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. The two clubs are in desperate need of reinforcements in the full-back area. The Gunners in particular are very short at the back, with no real back ups for the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal.
Kolasinac has performed admirably as a wing-back this season. However, while the Bosnian is a force going forward, there are still some lingering doubts about his defensive ability and his poor positioning. Unai Emery remains unconvinced by the 25-year-old as well, but has no other options available to him.
Monreal on the other hand, remains an important member of the side. However, it is becoming evident that he is slowing down. The Spaniard turned 33 years old last month and he is starting to spend more and more time on the treatment table.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been playing at full-back as cover for Unai Emery’s first choice full-backs. However, Arsenal know that if they are to start challenging for major trophies again, they will have to have a squad capable of coping with the demands of 4 competitions. Hence, the need for a new defender becomes all the more clear which will need to be addressed at the earliest by Monchi as the new technical director of the club.
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Tagliafico’s release clause is shockingly low, especially considering the inflation in the market. According to reports, he will be able to sign for any club for just a paltry figure of £8 million. With Arsenal’s recent struggles for cash, the news will be music to Emery’s ears. However, they will face competition for his signature from Atletico Madrid, who are also short at the back and in desperate need of reinforcements.
Despite the recent links, Tagliafico has remained calm and is refusing to get carried away by all the praise.
“If Simeone is interested in me and really wants me, it means I’m doing well.
“But the important thing now is to think about Ajax.”
