Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico demonstrates talent on pitch
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants to sign a new left-back this summer and the Blues have been alerted to a possible cut-price deal for Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico. The Argentina international has made it known he favours a move to the Premier League and the player's versatility would also be a bonus for the club.
Chelsea news: Nicolas Tagliafico is a transfer target for Frank Lampard (Image: GETTY)
However, an understanding was reached that if the player decided to stay on for another 12 months then the club wouldn't stop him from leaving after that.
Chelsea had already made checks on Tagliafico before football was suspended across Europe and Ajax's willingness to sell might be enough to see the Blues make a move in the upcoming window.
If Chelsea were to sign Tagliafico, he would be the second Ajax player to make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer, as the Blues reached an agreement with the Dutch club in February to sign winger Hakim Ziyec in a deal worth £33.4m.
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Lampard has identified the left-back position as one he wants to strengthen this summer as he has not settled on either Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri this campaign.
Both have been linked with moves away from the club this summer, with several Serie A teams interested in both players.
Chelsea have been long-time admirers of Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, but face being priced out of a move for the England international as he is under contract until 2024.
However, signing Tagliafico would also give Lampard extra options, as the Argentine is adept at playing as a central-defender too.
Chelsea news: Nicolas Tagliafico would be available for around £22m (Image: GETTY)
Tagliafico joined Ajax from Independiente in 2018 and has gone on to make 99 appearances for the club, during which he has scored 12 goals and has provided 15 assists.
Speaking about his future the defender recently admitted that he would favour a move to the English top-flight over either Spain or Italy.
“Ajax it’s a great club, but as a player, of course, you dream of playing in the biggest leagues," Tagliafico told Argentinian station Radio Continental earlier this month.
"And the Premier League is right now the most competitive one, a bit above La Liga and Serie A.”