Arsenal have been linked with Wolfsburg and Swiss international left back Ricardo Rodriguez basically all summer, with the 23 year old looking to leave Germany as soon as possible.
Despite being relatively strong in the left back position at Arsenal, the Gunners were supposedly considering a move for Rodriguez with the near future in mind, as before we know it Arsenal’s Mr Consistent Nacho Monreal, will begin to come towards the end of his career. After Monreal Arsenal just have Kieran Gibbs to show, who although isn’t a bad defender and held the left back role without being challenged for a number of years, he isn’t exactly on par with the likes of Monreal and Rodriguez.
Therefore a move for Xhaka’s international teammate may be on the cards and with Wolfsburg already well aware that he wants to move on this summer, possibly to Arsenal, there is a strong chance the Gunners could get their man. That was until Real Madrid made it much harder, having supposedly entered the race to sign the 23 year old.
The Spanish Giants picked up an interest in the Swiss international after Rodriguez’s impressive Euro 2016 performances. Rodriguez didn’t have too much time to show off his ability with Switzerland, as his national side was knocked out by Poland in the round of 16. But his performances in the games at Euro 2016 as well as an impressive domestic campaign for Wolfsburg last season, has gained him plenty of attention from Europe’s top clubs.
Real Madrid don’t really need a new left back with Marcelo more than capable of holding down the role for a number of years to come and so seem to be interested in Rodriguez simply because they can afford to buy the best players in order to put them on the bench and keep them for a rainy day. Playing time gives Arsenal the edge, but if the Champions League winners were to come calling, then I think it could be unfortunate for Arsenal, as it is understandably difficult to turn down an offer from the likes of Real Madrid.
It is rumoured that Rodriguez would cost around £21 million, which in today’s market would be a solid investment for a player that could be a world class defender for 7-8 seasons. Based on that alone, Wenger should be making a move for the Swiss international, however it all seems to have gone a little cold and dry on the transfer front for Arsenal in the last few weeks, so who knows when we’ll hear more on this developing story.
By AH