Real Betis want the best value for star midfielder Guido Rodriguez, with Arsenal reportedly told to increase their offer to make a move happen.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal may need to pay more than their reported €30 million offer to Real Betis for midfielder Guido Rodriguez. The Gunners are in the market for a top draw central midfielder, but Betis feel their star is undervalued by the North London club and have invited them to make an improved bid.
As Granit Xhaka inches closer to the exit door at the Emirates, Arsenal want to move fast and secure a replacement. Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga is close to signing for the Gunners, but the Belgian is viewed as a replacement for Matteo Guendouzi, who is supposedly leaving for Marseille soon.
Arsenal have been on the trails of Manuel Locatelli and Wolves’ Ruben Neves. The Sassuolo midfielder prefers a move to Juventus. At the same time, the price quoted by Wolves for Neves is deemed too expensive, as the club refuse to negotiate over their asking price. Hence, the North Londoners are looking at alternatives including Rodriguez.
Guido Rodriguez has seen his stock rise after some impressive performances for Real Betis. For Argentina, he has become a mainstay in midfield under Lionel Scaloni, and for those reasons alone, Betis are demanding an acceptable transfer fee.
Rodriguez moved from CF America in Mexico to Betis for around €3 million, although the Liga MX side can receive 30% of any future sales. Additionally, with two years left on his Betis deal, the La Liga side would want to cash in from an economic standpoint. Rodriguez’s contract contains an €80 million release clause.
The Argentine midfielder dreamt of moving to either Barcelona or Real Madrid, which in the current conditions are proving difficult. However, with interest stemming from Premier League giants Arsenal, Rodriguez might be inclined towards a big move away from Spain.
The last suggestion from British media reckoned a €30 million offer could be enough to tempt Real Betis from selling. However, as Estadio Deportivo suggest, Betis could be demanding more than that. Arsenal were mulling over a €30 million bid, but now they need to add more to that offer.
Arsenal might look elsewhere if Betis’ demands are deemed excessive. Arsenal’s need to decrease their overall age profile, and shelling out more than necessary on a 27-year-old might not be on their agenda. For instance, a similar outlay on Ruben Neves would represent good value for Arsenal, but not on Rodriguez.
However, if Arsenal’s interest in Rodriguez is genuine, then the North London club are expected to submit a formal offer and begin negotiations with Betis. Whether Arsenal will be ready to pay over the odds for a decent player like Rodriguez remains to be seen and could be answered in the next few weeks as their search for the right midfielder intensifies.