Chelsea ‘interested in Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico’ as Ben Chilwell pursuit falters

Chelsea ‘are interested in signing Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico’ as Frank Lampard seeks to bolster his defensive options.

With the Blues struggling to reach a deal with Leicester City for Ben Chilwell, with the two clubs some way apart on a transfer fee, Tagliafico has emerged as an alternative.

The Argentina international, 27, scored five goals and supplied five assists for Ajax last season.

Chelsea ‘are interested in Ajax left-back Tagliafico’ as they look to bolster their defence

The Argentine played against Chelsea in the group stage of the Champions League this season

And, according to Sky Sports, he could follow Hakim Ziyech in moving from Amsterdam to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Tagliafico, capped 25 times for his country, arrived at Ajax in 2018 from Independiente.

He has since emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after left-backs with his Ajax contract set to expire in 2022.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with the Argentine.  

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard wants to strengthen his defence ahead of next season

Ben Chilwell was the Blues’ first choice in the left-back position but could prove too expensive

Sky report that Chelsea made England international Chilwell their No 1 target in that position but Leicester’s original demand for £80million was too high.

Though the Foxes have softened their stance, it remains some way from Chelsea’s valuation hence their search for other options in the position.

Chelsea are also reportedly considering Real Madrid’s Sergio Regulion, who impressed in that position while on loan at Sevilla last season.