Napoli made a serious attempt to sign Nicolas Tagliafico, but they will likely come up empty-handed. The fullback is also being pursued by Barcelona.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - DECEMBER 12: Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax in action during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and PEC Zwolle at Johan Cruijff Arena on December 12, 2020 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Napoli Lead Competition in Race to Sign Versatile Ajax Defender

After Napoli recently asked for information from Ajax for versatile left wing-back Nicolas Tagliafico, the Partenopei are reportedly the frontrunners for the defender’s signature. Napoli are the only team to have made a firm offer for the Ajax stopper.

According to reports from TUTTOmercatoweb, an official loan offer with the obligation to buy has been offered by the Partenopei, whereas French giants Marseille are also interested in a loan deal for him. However, the southern French team’s recent acquisition of Sead Kolasinac from Arsenal ‘can put everything on ice’.

The Argentine’s representative Ricardo Schlieper arrived in Amsterdam on Tuesday to discuss the left-back’s future at the club with Ajax director Marc Overmars and CEO Edwin Van der Sar. His contract with the Dutch giants expires in June 2023.

The reports of him wanting to leave are concrete, as he has reportedly fallen out of favor with manager Erik Ten Hag. However, Ajax are said to be reluctant to see him leave as Daley Blind is the only other left-back in the club’s ranks at the moment.

Premier League outfits Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been linked with the Argentine defender.

Tagliafico has made 146 appearances for Ajax in his five seasons at the club, scoring 14 goals in the process, since his move from Argentine giants Independiente.