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Real Betis reportedly want to cash in on Guido Rodriguez and could demand €30m (£26m) for the Arsenal and West Ham United target…
THE LOWDOWN: UPWARD TRAJECTORY
The 27-year-old has matured into a strong performer for Betis in recent years, making 100 appearances, including 29 starts in La Liga last season.
Rodriguez’s performances have led to him winning 24 caps for Argentina so far, with the defensive midfielder clinching Copa America glory last year.
Last term, the midfield destroyer excelled tremendously once more as Manuel Pellegrini’s side earned an impressive 5th placed finish in the Spanish top flight.
It could be that a move elsewhere arrives at some point, and if a fresh update is to be believed, a switch to the Premier League may be on the cards.
THE LATEST: COUGH UP €30m
Real Betis are hoping to get the best value for one of their players as Fichajes reports they could be seeking €30 million for Rodriguez.
The Gunners and West Ham United are among the clubs that are reportedly keen on signing the Argentine international, with the Spanish club hoping for sizeable offers to come in the window.
THE VERDICT: ANOTHER DM NEEDED
The north London outfit need a new player to cover for Thomas Partey.
The Ghanaian is the preferred starter in the holding midfield role, but his injury record in the last two seasons has raised concerns.
For that, the Argentinian international could represent a sturdy acquisition to the Gunners’ destructive midfield role.
As per FBRef, the Sáenz Peña-born midfielder has proven an excellent enforcer in Pellegrini’s midfield setup, ranking sixth in La Liga for tackles (90), seventh for tackles won (57) and ninth for pressures (636).
Amongst midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 24-time Argentine international ranks in the top 11% for tackles per 90 (3.22), top 8% for blocks per 90 (2.19) and top 11% again for clearances per 90 (2.16). All of these numbers suggest that Rodriguez is a consummate and professional front-foot and all-action midfielder, he would add so much steel and resilience to the Gunners’ midfield.
As per WhoScored, the £22.5m-rated beast made an average of 2.8 tackles per league game in the season before last, 1.9 interceptions and 0.4 blocks, placing him in the top three compared to his teammates for each metric.
Therefore, if the club’s transfer budget allows, technical director Edu Gaspar must swoop for him this summer, providing Mikel Arteta with the tools he needs to return the club to the top echelons of the Premier League.
AND in other news, Arsenal have £51m bid for “frightening” 18-goal hitman rejected…
