Nicolás Tagliafico spoke to the English media at the weekend and it appears to have caused a little annoyance in Spain.
Much linked with Arsenal, the Ajax defender told The Daily Mirror: “I think in the summer it could be a natural time to take the step. But I try not to think about taking that step just yet because we have many important games to focus on.
“Yes, it’s flattering because I think it’s the most competitive league. When you are a child, the target is to come to Europe and play in a top league like the Premier League. I came to Ajax because of the philosophy, the style of football and the club.”
Atletico Madrid have also been repeatedly linked with the footballer, and Mundo Deportivo want you all to know he’s only saying these things because the Spanish club prefer Alex Telles.
Whilst it’s stated that Arsenal have ‘a lot of interest’ in Tagliafico, he’s also been an option for Atletico. However, Diego Simeone’s side don’t have him in first place. That would be taken by the Porto player, and talks have already started.
Mundo then claim: ‘The fact that Telles is the first option has made the Argentine international now look more to England than to Spain.’
The clear message is that he’s only saying these nice things, because Atletico have chosen someone else and a move to England is now likelier.
Of course, for someone to truly believe the Premier League is the ‘most competitive’ isn’t really what Mundo want to hear.
