Barcelona are reportedly considering a summer swoop for Ajax’s Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
According to a report from Spanish publication MARCA, La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are lining up a move for Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico in the ongoing transfer window.
The 27-year-old Tagliafico has been with the Dutch giants since January 2018, having signed from Argentine outfit Independiente. During his time at the club, he has grown into a key player for Ajax, registering 12 goals and 15 assists in 99 appearances till date.
However, Tagliafico has been heavily linked with an exit in recent weeks, with Premier League outfit Chelsea taking an interest in the left-back. The Blues are in the market for a new left-back after both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri failed to make an impression on new manager Frank Lampard.
This has led to some degree of interest in Tagliafico. However, as per latest reports, they are closing in on the capture of Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell, which could see them end their pursuit of the 27-year-old Argentine. This should leave the field open for Barcelona to move in and make a swoop for the defender.
Barcelona are in a phase of transition after a disappointing 2019/20 campaign which ended without any silverware. Former Everton and Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has been brought in to take the team back to the peak of Spanish and European football.
A large number of current first-team players are expected to be shown the doors in the coming weeks, with current first-choice left-back Jordi Alba also among those who could face the axe. While Barcelona did strengthen their left-back department last summer with Junior Firpo’s signing, he has failed to make an impact and could be shown the doors too.
Thus, a new left-back will be a top priority for the new management, making Tagliafico an enticing target. It is claimed that the Catalan giants have been monitoring the Argentine international for a long time and have now made an enquiry with Ajax over the possibility of signing him.
The Dutch heavyweights reportedly have an agreement in place with the 27-year-old, which will see them not stand in his way should Barcelona come calling. The Catalans will have to pay a sum of €25 million in order to land Tagliafico, which shouldn’t be a problem for them, provided they are able to move on one of their current left-backs.
Tagliafico has two years left on his current contract with Ajax. However, an exit from the Dutch outfit looks imminent this summer. It, however, remains to be seen if Barcelona do launch an attempt to land Lionel Messi’s international teammate.
