Ajax will not stand in Nicolas Tagliafico’s way next summer if the reported Arsenal and Leicester City target wants to leave the Eredivisie leaders in 2021, as reported by De Telegraaf.
Usually, when a player signs a new contract, that means he is committed to his current club and set to stay for the long haul.
But while there is no reason to suggest that Tagliafico’s head has been turned, do not be surprised if the Argentina international puts pen to paper on a new contract… and then says his goodbyes a few months later.
According to De Telegraaf, Tagliafico is on the verge of extending his deal by a further year, until 2023.
In return, Ajax will let their £18 million-rated left-back go if an acceptable offer arrives at the end of this season.
The Amsterdam giants know that Tagliafico, at the age of 28, is desperate to prove himself in a major European league, and that contract extension feels more like an attempt to protect the value of a prized asset than anything else.
“With Nico, he has reached the age that I understand that he wants to take the next step,” director of football Marc Overmars recently told AjaxTV.
“If that chance is there, then I think you shouldn’t take it away – if the conditions are good for all parties.”
Leicester were linked via Le10 Sport but, with Luke Thomas, Timothy Castagne and James Justin all capable of playing at left-back, it would be a surprise if the Foxes renewed their interest in Tagliafico – even if Christian Fuchs departs.
An offer from Arsenal, however, may still be on the table.
The Sun reported that Tagliafico was keen on adding a bit of Argentine bite to a Samba-influenced dressing room at the Emirates. The anticipated departure of Sead Kolasinac in 2021 will leave the door wide open.
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