Arsenal, Liverpool tracking Guido Rodriguez

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly set to battle it out for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.

According to Fichajes, Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.

The 28-year-old joined the Spanish club in 2020 and has since made a name for himself in La Liga. Rodriguez has so far made 109 appearances for Los Verdiblancos, scoring thrice and assisting three goals in all competitions.

A defensive midfielder, the Argentine international is also capable of playing at centre-back or right midfield. An excellent tackler, Rodriguez is adept at winning the ball back and is a solid presence in the middle of the park. He should have little trouble in adapting to the physical rigours of the Premier League.

This is good news for Arsenal and Liverpool. Both teams are among the most illustrious in England and will give Rodriguez the platform to take his talents to the top level. Available for around €30 million, he represents excellent value for money and can easily perform for at least 4-5 years at the top level.

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Arsenal are enjoying a renaissance of sorts under Mikel Arteta this season. The Gunners could do with another experienced defensive midfielder on their roster. Adding Rodriguez to a squad that has Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga will give Areta the dynamism and experience needed in the middle of the park for the younger attackers to do their business.

Liverpool are also in a similar boat and are long overdue for a midfield revamp. Jordan Henderson and James Milner are not getting any younger, while Thiago Alcantara is susceptible to injuries. Fabinho, in particular, appears burnt out, and the Reds could do with an alternative to the Brazilian. 

Bringing in Rodriguez will keep Fabinho honest while also giving Jurgen Klopp an experienced head to be used in the middle of the park. As long as he keeps performing to his strengths, Rodriguez will continue to attract interest from top clubs. A strong World Cup with Argentina will only raise his profile further. With his contract up in 2024, Real Betis, too, have a decision to make. 

Should he fail to pen an extension with Betis, the Spanish outfit will be well advised to cash in on him in the upcoming transfer windows. Whether this will be the impetus that Arsenal and Liverpool need to make their move remains to be seen.