Arsenal’s hopes of signing Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico have received a significant boost after the player’s agent confirmed his desire to leave the club this summer.
The Argentine, 26, has attracted attention from across Europe after starring in Ajax’s sensational win against Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16.
Unai Emery is keen to sign an orthodox left-back this summer and has shortlisted Tagliafico as a target alongside the likes of Celtic star Kieran Tierney and Leicester ace Ben Chilwell.
Ajax, aware of the threat of losing the Argentine, had offered the full-back new terms on his contract despite having three years to run on his existing deal.
However, Tagliafico has rejected their offer and his agent has confirmed he’s ready to leave the club.
‘Ajax made an offer, but it wasn’t accepted because it’s the right time to take a leap,’ Ricardo Schlieper told Muy Independiente Radio.
‘Let’s see what happens in the market.
‘There has been no talk of numbers with Ajax, but they will ask for a significant amount – I think it will be more than €20million [£17m].’
Sead Kolasinac has been Emery’s first choice left-back for most of this term but he’s considered more of a wing-back due to his attacking strengths.
Nacho Monreal looks set to leave the club at the end of the season as his contract expires in July, leaving Emery in need of a replacement.
Arsenal will hand Emery a budget of roughly £45m this summer, though that will be boosted if the club qualify for the Champions League and through player sales.
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