Arsenal are reportedly set to begin negotiations with Real Betis to sign Argentine international Guido Rodriguez, who has an €80 million release clause.
According to a report by Spanish outlet La Razon, Arsenal will soon be stepping up their efforts to secure the services of Guido Rodriguez in the summer transfer window. The Gunners intend to start negotiations with Real Betis for the Argentine international, who has a release clause worth €80 million but could be available for around €30 million.
Guido Rodriguez has established himself as one of the more consistent performers in La Liga since joining Real Betis from Club America in January 2020. This past season, the 27-year-old amassed 38 appearances across all competitions, missing just one game when fit and available.
His progress over the last 18 months has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs across Europe showing an interest in him. In particular, the Argentine international is the subject of interest from Arsenal, with the Gunners planning to begin negotiations with Real Betis over a move this summer.
Arsenal have been reported to be in the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window, and for good reason. While Dani Ceballos will not return to the Emirates again this year after returning to Real Madrid following the expiration of his loan deal, Granit Xhaka appears set to leave the Gunners, with a move to AS Roma being mooted.
As a result, Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders, with Ruben Neves the latest name to pop up on their radar. And Guido Rodriguez is a player worth targeting as well, seeing as the north Londoners could well have to sign two central midfielders if Xhaka departs the Emirates.
The big stumbling block for Arsenal, though, will be his €80 million release clause. However, the report suggests that Real Betis would be open to parting ways with the Argentine international if a suitor forks out €30 million.
What now remains to be seen is if Arsenal are ready to cough up the required €30 million to land Guido Rodriguez in the summer transfer window, or if they attempt to negotiate a lower sum in order to secure the services of the 27-year-old ahead of the 2021/22 season.
