Arsenal have identified Ajax starlet Nicolas Tagliafico as a transfer target they face the possibility of losing left-back Nacho Monreal this summer.
Unai Emery is expecting a number of incomings and outgoings ahead of next season as he continues to build an Arsenal squad in his vision. Spanish publication Sports report that Barcelona are keen on acquiring Monreal and that would leave a void in the squad, with the ever impressive Tagliafico the club’s primary target.
Monreal is out of contract in the summer and would represent an affordable, short-term option to give Barca competition for places behind Jordi Alba, who recently signed a new deal.
Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac has looked strong going forward but vulnerable defensively and Monreal would need replacing should he depart the Emirates Stadium.
Issues at the back are what Emery will be most keen to address with signings this summer and he may also need to look at right back with Hector Bellerin not expected back until October after rupturing his ACL. Tagliafico is one of Europe’s most sought-after talents right now having put together a string of impressive performances.
Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico retain an interest while Ajax will be reluctant to see many more stars depart having already agreed the sale of Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona. Ajax face Real in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night and will get the chance to look at Tagliafico again as they prepare to eventually lose Brazilian full-back Marcelo, with talk of a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus refusing to go away.