Arsenal are reportedly set to attempt an £8 million swoop to sign Argentine international Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax in the winter.
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal have set their sights on Ajax superstar Nicolas Tagliafico. The Gunners are interested to secure the services of the Argentine international in the January transfer window, and have submitted an initial bid worth £8 million.
Tagliafico has made a big impression since joining Ajax from Independiente earlier this year. In fact, the Argentine international has become a pivotal player in the first-team setup in the short while that he has been with the Dutch giants, emphatically showcasing his qualities in the final third while also proving himself to be an able defender.
Tagliafico has even been named the Argentina captain in two of the games they have played since the World Cup, which points to his leadership abilities, having also led Independiente before his move to Ajax. His advent has surely put some spotlight on the 26-year-old, with Arsenal keen on signing him.
The Gunners have made a solid start to their season, failing to win just three of their first 15 games this season. Their success though, has largely been built on a formidable attacking unit as well as an able midfield department. But, defence has been a major cause for concern for Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
The North Londoners have let in 17 goals so far this season, and it is clear that Emery needs to make major improvements to the backline. The left-back slot in particular has become a big problem area for the Arsenal manager this season, albeit for multiple reasons.
While Nacho Monreal hasn’t exactly been a solid customer at the back, he was a reliable contributor in the final third. But, his and Sead Kolasinac’s absence has put Arsenal under a lot of pressure, forcing Emery to deploy Granit Xhaka as a makeshift left-back.
Additionally, with Monreal in the twilight of his career and approaching the end of his current deal, reinforcing the left side of defence is well and truly a priority for Arsenal. To that end, they have set their sights on Tagliafico, even lodging a bid worth £8 million for the Argentine international.
While the offer is double the amount that Ajax paid to sign the 26-year-old, it is unlikely that they will agree to part ways with the player at such a low sum. Arsenal will thus, have to increase their bid in all likelihood, although it remains to be seen if they can agree a deal with the Dutch outfit for the Argentine international.
For now, Tagliafico appears to be an attractive target for Arsenal, who can have a long-term solution on the cheap for the left side of defence in him.
