Arsenal and West Ham United are reportedly interested in Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez. Since joining the club in July 2020, the 27-year-old has been a staple in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting lineup. And his efforts this season have helped Los Verdiblancos come to within three points of the La Liga summit.
Numerous Premier League teams are interested in Rodriguez according to Fichajes. With the frontrunners being Arsenal and West Ham.
Meanwhile, West Ham might sign Rodriguez as a replacement for in-demand midfielder Declan Rice, Who has been linked with a transfer away from the London Stadium.
Rodriguez, who has also been linked with Liverpool, is valued at roughly €30 million (£25.3 million) by Betis. Who will not see his current deal end until the summer of 2024.
This season, the defensive midfielder has two assists in nine La Liga appearances for Betis.
The 27-year-old has averaged 2.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 1.7 clearances per game in those outings. He averages 47.2 passes each game and has an amazing completion rate of 83.5%.
Rodriguez, a former Club America player, has had tremendous success since moving to Spain in 2020. In just over two years, he has made 65 competitive appearances for Betis. Developing a crucial role in Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield unit.
Guido Rodriguez Might Be The Replacement West Ham Will Need
The 27-year-performance old’s earned him a spot in Argentina’s Copa America roster this summer. In reality, he was one of the most important players. His services in midfield are crucial in enabling La Albiceleste to end their 28-year drought for a competitive international championship.
Rodriguez’s meteoric ascent has not gone unnoticed, with West Ham considering him as a possible transfer target. As they prepare for a future without star man Declan Rice, the Hammers have been connected with several defensive midfielders. For example notably Koln’s Ellyes Skhiri.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is seeking to add some much-needed depth to their midfield unit. Due to Granit Xhaka’s injury, Mikel Arteta’s only realistic choices in the middle of the pitch are Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Arsenal signing Guido Rodriguez would mainly be concerning squad depth While this transfer on paper would make sense for Arsenal.
It would go completely against their current transfer policy. The club has adopted an approach to signing younger talent over players close to their prime. This has two benefits. If the player in the future does wish to leave, there will be a higher resale value. While due to being younger and not at the peak of their talent, their transfer fee would also be lower.
While this signing would help either team in their midfield. It would immediately affect Real Betis who would be losing one of the vital players within their starting 11.
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