Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez but face competition from West Ham United.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the services of Guido Rodriguez. The Real Betis midfielder has become a hot commodity in the market, owing to his excellent performances in La Liga. They are joined by West Ham United in the race to sign the 27-year-old Argentine international, either next summer or in the January transfer window.
Real Betis have no intention to let their star asset leave the club for a cut-price, though. Rodriguez, after all, has a contract at Betis until 2024. They are believed to be looking at a fee of around €30 million for the midfielder, who had joined the club for just €3 million, at the start of last year.
Formerly of Club America, Rodriguez has enjoyed immense success since his move to Spain in 2020. In just under two years, he has notched up 65 competitive appearances for Betis, emerging as a key figure in their midfield unit under Manuel Pellegrini.
The 27-year-old’s success had notably earned him a place in Argentina’s Copa America squad in the summer. In fact, he was one of the most vital performers, with his contributions in midfield proving to be critical in helping La Albiceleste end their 28-year wait for a competitive international trophy.
Rodriguez’s rapid rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with West Ham eyeing him as a potential target. The Hammers have been linked with multiple defensive midfielders lately, including Koln’s Ellyes Skhiri, as they look to prepare for a future without star man Declan Rice.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are hoping to add some much-needed depth in their midfield setup. Granit Xhaka’s injury has left Mikel Arteta with Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga as the only viable options in the middle of the park while the fringe figure of Mohamed Elneny is tipped for a January exit to Galatasaray.
In Rodriguez, the Gunners could land themselves an experienced international star who can potentially build a formidable midfield combination alongside Partey. Interestingly, Arsenal have been also linked with a move for another Real Betis number six, in the form of William Carvalho, so it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga takes shape in the coming months.
