Atletico Madrid will challenge Chelsea in the race to sign Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, according to reports in the English media.

Numerous journalists, including the reliable Fabrizio Romano, have confirmed that the Blues are weighing up an approach for the Argentinian international.

Tagliafico is available for just £24.5m this summer after reaching an agreement with Ajax that he can leave if a satisfactory bid is made.

Atletico have been keeping tabs on the defender for the last twelve months but the financial impact of the global health crisis means they are not in a position to make an offer unless they can raise funds through player sales.

For Chelsea, Tagliafico will be a more economical alternative to Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, who could cost up to three times as much. Whether Atletico’s interest in the Argentine will force the London club’s hand into making a move for the player, we shall have to wait and see.