Transfer News: Major boost for Chelsea in pursuit of Ajax man Nicolas Tagliafico
Speaking to Dutch football magazine Voetbal International (h/t Express), Ajax director of football Marc Overmars revealed that Nicolas Tagliafico, who is linked with Chelsea, and David Neres, can leave the club this summer.
Ajax have one of the best youth academies in world football. In the past few years, they have produced and sold the likes of Donny van de Beek, Matthijs de Ligt, and Frenkie de Jong.
And it seems like two of their current superstars could be on their way as well. Tagliafico has been linked with a move to the Premier League recently, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Leeds United all linked.
A report by The Sun (h/t Express) even stated that if it wasn’t for Covid-19, then the Argentine left-back could have joined the Premier League. The report adds that he will be available for around £17.5million this summer.
Change of scenery for Tagliafico
Overmars openly revealed that it was no secret that David Neres and Tagliafico are looking for a move away from the current Eredivisie champions.
“A departure for Nicolas Tagliafico and David Neres would not be illogical. Neres has been with Ajax since the beginning of 2017, is 24 years old, and wants to take a step.”
Tagliafico has been a stellar performer for Ajax in the past few years and was instrumental in their league and cup double this season. But Overmars thinks he is seeking pastures new.
“The same applies to Tagliafico, who has been playing here for three and a half years now and will turn 29 next summer. It is no secret that they are open to a transfer. Just as it is well known that outbound transfers are a significant part of our revenue.”
This raises the question if Chelsea need another left-back. Marcos Alonso has had a brilliant comeback to first-team action ever since Thomas Tuchel joined.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea to offload either Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri to raise funds
- Transfer News: Chelsea offered the chance to sign Wojciech Szczesny
- Transfer News: Chelsea have Ivan Toney on their wishlist
This has rendered a big competition between the Spaniard and Ben Chilwell for first-team football and Tagliafico might just add to the dilemma instead of solving it.