Arsenal have reportedly lodged an enquiry with Real Betis for the potential signing of Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez ahead of the January window.
According to a report from Spanish journalist Hernan Castillo, Arsenal have submitted an enquiry to explore the possibility of signing Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
The 27-year-old came through the ranks at Argentine outfit River Plate and had a loan spell at Defensa y Justicia before leaving for Mexican outfit Club Tijuana in 2016. A year later, Rodriguez signed for CF America, where he spent two-and-a-half years before signing for Real Betis in January last year.
Since arriving in Spain, the midfielder has grown into a key player for Los Verdiblancos, racking up 73 appearances in all competitions, contributing with three goals and two assists. A regular in the Argentine national team of late, Rodriguez has 20 caps to his name and was part of the Copa America-winning side earlier this year.
Arsenal have had their sights on Rodriguez since the summer transfer window and are believed to have continued keeping tabs on the 27-year-old in the ongoing campaign. Even though the north London giants bolstered their midfield unit with the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer, they are looking to add another player in the position in January.
Thomas Partey has been blowing hot and cold over the course of the season, while Granit Xhaka has had some fitness issues. And with Mohamed Elneny being linked with an exit as he nears the expiry of his contract, manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing in another central midfielder to ensure quality depth in the position.
It has led to links with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum while there have been reports of interest in Juventus star Arthur Melo as well. Now Guido Rodriguez has also emerged on the radars of the Gunners, with Hernan Castillo claiming that they have enquired to get information on what it will take for them to land the midfielder from Real Betis.
The Argentine international’s contract runs till the summer of 2024. Apart from Arsenal, West Ham United are also interested in signing the midfielder. It now remains to be seen if the Gunners’ enquiry for Rodriguez leads into something substantial in the coming weeks or they wait till the summer to make a move.
