Barcelona Prospect Reportedly 'Eager To Reunite With Lionel Messi,' Draws Interest From Arsenal

Arsenal reportedly become latest suitors of Argentine defender who is said to be eager to reunite with his national side teammate Lionel Messi.

Nicolas Tagliafico has already stated that he will leave Ajax for bigger clubs. In a recent interview with radio station Continental (via Goal.com), Tagliafico revealed that he’s bound to leave his current club sometime in August regardless of the situation. According to the 27-year-old, he has no problems with Ajax. However, his dream has always been to play for a top club in the best competitions.

“Ajax is a great club, but the Eredivisie is not a great competition. You must always have dreams. The preparations will start in August for around two months. But whether or not I'll leave,” Tagliafico revealed.

Mundo Deportivo (via Goal.com) reported that Tagliafico’s agent said that the Argentine is eager to reunite with Frenkie de Jong and Argentina co-star Messi, suggesting Barcelona as Tagliafico’s top choice. Recent reports claimed that Barcelona have already held several talks with Tagliafico’s agent. However, Tagliafico insisted that he has not heard anything definitive from the Catalan giants and is keeping his feet on the ground at this point.

“I'm trying to think about my condition, to stay fit as possible in case I go to another club. I'm standing on the sidelines. Maybe I'm on [Barcelona’s] list, but there is nothing concrete. You must stay calm. I'm also trying to stay calm. If something happens then I'll talk with my agent,” Tagliafico said of Barcelona talks.

Meanwhile, Premier League heavyweights Arsenal has also been reportedly interested in signing Tagliafico. According to The Sun, Tagliafico is one of the players who are highly expected to depart the Amsterdam powerhouse and has been on Chelsea and Barcelona’s radar in recent weeks. Tagliafico, along with Andre Onana and Donny van de Beek, are all departing Ajax this summer while Hakim Ziyech will join Chelsea on July 1.

The Gunners now joins Barcelona as the frontrunners in making a move for the Tagliafico. The Argentine sensation is believed to be available for as little as £20 million ($24.3 million) this summer. He has earned a WhoScored rating of 7.57 in the Champions League this season, which was enough to be featured in the best XI in Europe's elite club competition.

As early as now, reports claimed that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta plans to sign Tagliafico from Ajax to allow Bukayo Saka to flourish.