Real Betis defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez has reportedly emerged as a summer target for Chelsea, with Arsenal also keen on signing him.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez as a potential replacement for N’Golo Kante. Recent reports have linked the Frenchman with an exit, and Arsenal have emerged as an interested party.
Kante has just a year remaining on his Chelsea contract, and the Blues have reportedly put him for sale. The Frenchman has been struggling with fitness issues recently and made just 26 Premier League appearances for the Blues last season.
While Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the 31-year-old, they are yet to make an official approach. Chelsea, on the other hand, have already started tracking possible replacements for Kante and have identified Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez as one.
The Argentine international has emerged as one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga over the last couple of seasons. He has been a regular starter since joining the Andalusian club in the 2020 winter transfer window, making a total of 100 appearances for them across competitions.
The 28-year-old’s assured performances in the centre of the park have attracted attention from the Premier League. Arsenal and West Ham United were among the first clubs to show interest in Rodriguez, but Chelsea have now joined the race to sign him.
With the Gunners in Kante’s pursuit, they will most likely pass on the chance to sign Rodriguez, making Chelsea the favourites. The west London club can offer the Argentine international UEFA Champions League football whereas, at the London Stadium and even Arsenal, he will have to play in the lower tier European competitions.
The Real Betis midfielder has two years remaining on his contract with the Andalusian club. Sporting director Antonio Cordon has been on the lookout for possible replacements for Rodriguez, hinting that the club are open to selling him this summer.
However, he is yet to identify possible replacements, which is stalling negotiations for Rodriguez’s summer exit. They reportedly rate the midfielder at €30 million, and shelling out the sum should not be a problem for Chelsea. It will be interesting to see if the Blues face competition from Arsenal in pursuit of Rodriguez this summer.
