Chelsea lining up Nicolas Tagliafico move

Chelsea are ready to make a move for Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico in the summer transfer window, according to the Italian website Calciomercato.

The Blues have turned their attention to Tagliafico after giving up on Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea have accepted that they won’t be signing the England international this summer.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is expected to bolster his defence this summer, with one of either Emerson Palmieri or Marcos Alonso likely to make a move away from the Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Tagliafico, who is currently under contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena until 2022, is being considered as a potential recruit to Chelsea’s options at the defence.

The report adds that the west Londoners are considering the Argentine to be the most affordable of their backup options.

The defender has contributed five goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Chelsea are currently sit in fourth place and three points ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League table.