The agent of Ajax left-back and Arsenal target Nicolas Tagliafico has confirmed that his client is prepared to "take a leap" at a new club as top sides monitor his progress.
Tagliafico has been in exceptional form for Ajax this season and played a crucial role in his side's Champions League round of 16 win over Real Madrid.
His performances have inevitably caught the eye of top European clubs including Arsenal, who are understood to be targeting reinforcements in Tagliafico's position this summer. The Argentina international, 26, is among a number of left-backs believed to be interesting the Gunners, including Celtic's Kieran Tierney and Ben Chilwell of Leicester.
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Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Tagliafico, who has three years left on his current contract. His representative Ricardo Schlieper says that Ajax offered his client an extension and that the defender is now prepared to move on.
"Ajax made an offer, but it wasn't accepted because it's the right time to take a leap," he told Muy Independiente Radio.
"Let's see what happens in the market."
Schlieper added: "There has been no talk of numbers with Ajax, but they will ask for a significant amount – I think it will be more than €20million [£17m]."
A few of less than £20m could be tempting for Arsenal, who may have as little as £40m to spend if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, though in that case the standard of players they would be able to attract would certainly be less prestigious.
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As such, though the Gunners are well along the road when it comes to putting together potential targets it will not be clear which players they are able to move for until they know whether they will be back in the top four.
football.london understands Arsenal are also chasing a centre-back, wide forward and box-to-box midfielder. A new goalkeeper to replace the retiring Petr Cech could also be sought.
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