Romano: Chelsea yet to open January talks for Argentine defender despite interest last month

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea haven’t opened any talks with Ajax for Nicolás Tagliafico

According to Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano, despite showing interest in December, Chelsea haven’t made any formal approach to sign Nicolás Tagliafico from Ajax in January.

Chelsea’s left-back options took a hit this campaign after the injury to Ben Chilwell. The only viable choice that Thomas Tuchel currently has is Marcos Alonso. However, the Spaniard is ageing and could face problems tackling the hectic schedule.

Tuchel used alternative options like Saúl Ñíguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Malang Sarr to share the pressure down that flank, but it is unreasonable to expect the same impact from them in that position as a natural left-back.

Therefore the hunt for a left-back in the winter was obvious. Chelsea were interested in Nicolás Tagliafico in December and the Argentine has been a consistent performer for the Eredivisie side in the past few seasons.

Where to next for Tagliafico?

The Ajax star, however, has fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag after a slow start to the season. He is no longer an irreplaceable option down the left flank for his current team and his career in the Netherlands is becoming increasingly difficult due to the lack of game time.

Tagliafico has attracted much attention from Napoli, who are still pushing for a loan move. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea haven’t made any new approach regarding his signature in the January window. 

After failing to lure Lucas Digne and getting blocked by Lyon in their bid to recall Emerson Palmieri, our team is yet to bring in a new face to Stamford Bridge this month. And with two weeks left in the window, it remains to be seen if we sign anyone come February.

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The Blues board was successful in recalling Robert Kenedy from Flamengo, who can provide short-term coverage in that area. Tagliafico, who turns 30 this year, is of the same age profile as Marcos Alonso.

If we do want to sign a left-back to compete with Chilwell in the long run, it would be wiser to sign a younger player in that position. In that regard, it is not a big setback to know that we haven’t had talks for Tagliafico this month. But bringing in a new left-back this month would certainly be something that the fans would be on board with.