The Gunners are desperate to bounce back under Mikel Arteta shaking off the recent shambles. But they need significant reinforcement to reclaim their lost status, and according to The Sun, Arsenal have joined the chase for Ajax left-back Nicolás Tagliafico over a potential summer transfer.
Despite having a lethal frontline, the North Londoners could not rebuild a stable backline in the last few years. The defensive frailty persists irrespective of their spending splurge, and the newly appointed gaffer must resolve this long-term crisis to proceed further.
Why They Are After Yet Another Left Fullback
The Gunners, meanwhile, splashed the cash last summer to rope in Kieran Tierney from Celtic. The Scotsman was supposed to challenge and compete with Sead Kolašinac for the first-team role. However, an injury-ravaged campaign has now cast doubts on his future at the Emirates forcing the club to set their sights on the other left-back options available in the upcoming summer window.
Arsenal, as per reports, have identified Tagliafico as a potential target who has also been monitored by the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid of late. He is valued at around £20m and holds an agreement in his contract that would allow him to part ways with Ajax if a substantial bid comes in from the suitors.
The Argentine, too, is keen on experiencing a fresh challenge elsewhere and the aura of Premier League is indeed alluring for every professional. His game has flourished remarkably over the past couple of seasons both in Eredivisie as well as Europe and the 27-year-old, therefore, is ready to ply his trade in England to step out of his comfort zone.
How The Arrival Of Tagliafico Would Secure Saka’s Arsenal Future
The addition of the Albiceleste international would see Bukayo Saka move further forward, having impressed as a makeshift left fullback amid the injury absence of both Kolasinac and Tierney. The 18-year-old sensation grabbed 29 senior appearances this term across all competitions and found the net thrice along with nine assists [Stats via Transfermarket] prior to the suspension of football in the wake of the global health concerns.
The teenager is rated highly in the Gunners camp, and the management are working their socks off to convince him to stay by signing fresh terms. Clubs are circling like vultures to sign him once his current deal at the Emirates expires next summer and the assured minutes in the attacking third should see Saka staying put at his boyhood club. We are confident that the youngster would stay on at Arsenal buying into Arteta’s vision should he be given a fair shake in an advanced role.
