Again! Newcastle challenge Arsenal for £18m deal

Another English Premier League side Newcastle have challenged North London side Arsenal for the signature of Ajax ace Nicolas Tagliafico, according to reports in England.

It has become more obvious that Arsenal are in need of quality defenders following their 5-1 embarrassing defeat suffered in the hands of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday.

Nicolas Tagliafico has been identified by manager Unai Emery as one of those potential additions that will add steel to the Gunners defence especially as the season enters into the new year.

The North London side were earlier reported to be favoured for the 26-year-old ahead of Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Roma who are also interested in him but they now face strong contention from Newcastle.

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It is reported that the former Banfield, Murcia and Independiente defender, whose contract runs until 2020, could be on his way out of Ajax at the end of the season and is already aware of the interest from Newcastle as well.

Fears are that because he is desperate, he could just give his nod to Newcastle should the Gunners not push up with the right offers in coming days.

However, Tagliafico has got an asking price of £18 million which will not be a big deal to Newcastle as well knowing his importance and experience he would add to the team.