A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with Ajax left-back Nicolás Tagliafico in recent weeks, including Arsenal and Newcastle, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

The Gunners apparently launched an £8m bid for the Argentinian, but this should be a chance for West Ham to throw their hat in the ring as well.

There's no debating that Arsenal are looking sparse when it comes the left-backs at the moment, particularly with the ageing Nacho Monreal being injured. While they do indeed need a new fullback, there is an argument that West Ham are in a greater need for one.

West Ham's first choice left-back currently is Aaron Cresswell, and while the England international is certainly a good option to have, injury has limited him so far to just five starts in the Premier League this season. In his absence, manager Manuel Pellegrini has turned to Arthur Masuaku, who, for all his talent going forward, leaves a lot to be desired in defence.

The Hammers are currently ninth in the Premier League at the moment, and touching distance from sixth place Man United. Any team that are realistically hoping to challenge for European places would ideally not want a player like the Congo international playing as regularly as he has.

That is why Tagliafico would be the perfect competitor for Cresswell at the London Stadium. The 26-year-old has looked highly impressive for Ajax so far this season, helping them qualify for the next stage of the Champions League. He has a real attacking flair, and could well help star man Marko Arnautović reach a new level with his delivery into the box.

Arsenal would probably still be the frontrunners to land the Argentina international, but if there is a chance that West Ham could hijack this deal, they should.