AFC Ajax left-back Nicolás Tagliafico is currently happy with life at the Dutch Eredivisie despite recent reports from Marca claiming that Arsenal were among a whole host of clubs that are interested in securing his services. In a recent interview by El Mundo Deportivo (via the Metro), the Argentine left-back shared his thoughts on all the speculation surrounding his future and said, ‘I am enjoying life and football. We are privileged as footballers.
‘Our work is something fascinating and something we love to do. I enjoy playing for the national team and my club. I can’t think of what’s coming, that’s disrespectful to my club.
‘It’s great that they talk about me, because that means things are going well.
‘But I can only focus on the present. Friday we [Argentina] have to beat Venezuela and that’s what counts.’
Tagliafico’s recent words reveal that he is happy at Ajax and is not looking to seek a way out of the Johan Cruijff ArenA for the time being. However, the Argentine defender also states that ‘it’s great’ to be linked with so many elite clubs as it proves how well he has performed as a full-back on the pitch this season. Hence, the Gunners shouldn’t give up hope on recruiting him just yet.
Unai Emery has already got the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal vying for a left-back berth in his starting XI. However, Monreal is heading into the twilight years of his playing career, so it’s high time that Arsenal found a long-term replacement for the Spaniard. Tagliafico will fit the bill perfectly as he is currently playing at his prime and is also versatile enough to operate as a centre-back as well.
The 26-year-old has put in some glorious displays for Ajax during the campaign and played an instrumental part for his team in taking down the reigning European champions, Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The Eredivisie giants managed to come back and grab a 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the second leg which set up a dream date against Juventus in the quarterfinal stage of the competition.
The Argentine left-back has featured in 34 matches for the Dutch heavyweights this term, scoring five goals while creating five assists across all competitions. More importantly, he has also made an average of 2.4 tackles and 2.0 interceptions per match (Stats taken from Whoscored).
There is no doubt that he will be a fantastic acquisition for any of his potential suitors. For now, it might be difficult to prise him away from the Amsterdam club, but Emery needs to be patient and be ready to pounce if an opportunity presents itself in the coming years.
