Player profile: Guido Rodriguez

Guido Rodriguez

Player profile: Guido Rodriguez

By Oli Dickson Jefford

Arsenal will surely be looking to strengthen their squad when the January transfer window opens.

One area that the club will want to strengthen is their midfield and in particular the defensive area, which has arguably been the club’s weakest position this season.

Guido Rodriguez is one potential solution to that problem, and after first being connected to North London in the summer he could well be targeted again.

Here is all you need to know about the Argentina and Real Betis star who could be heading to the Emirates soon.

Career so far

The 27-year-old started his career at Argentinian side River Plate but failed to make a significant impact.

He appeared just 18 times in a two-year spell, and was loaned out to Defensa y Justicia at one stage.

Though he did pick up a Copa Sudamericana medal during his spell at River Plate, he first rose to prominence when he moved to Mexico to play for Tijuana in Liga MX.

Rodriguez was named Liga MX’s Defensive Midfielder of the Year in his sole season at Tijuana, moving to league rivals America in the summer of 2017.

His spell at America was hugely successful , winning both the Liga MX and Copa MX during his three seasons at the club as well as being voted the league’s player of the season in 2018-19.

That summer he was signed by Real Betis and has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons playing in La Liga, helping the side to a sixth-place finish last season which saw them qualify for the Europa League.

Rodriguez made his international debut for Argentina in 2017 and has since gone on to represent his country 20 times.

He scored his first international goal against Uruguay in the group stage of this year’s Copa America, a tournament that Argentina ultimately won.


What can he offer Arsenal?

Rodriguez offers a more complete package than any of Arsenal’s current central or defensive midfielders.

Experience-wise he brings more to the table than the likes of Albert Lokonga, with almost 300 appearances across domestic and international football to his name.

The 27-year-old has also forged a reputation for reliability and consistency, both of which are recurring issues at the Emirates.

Thomas Partey has not reached the heights expected of him on a regular enough basis while Granit Xhaka, the club’s longest serving player in this position, is still inconsistent and a potential liability on occasion.

With Mohammed Elneny unable to break into the current starting XI, Rodriguez would certainly be in Mikel Arteta’s plans on his arrival in North London.


What do Arsenal need to do to sign him?

Rodriguez has made a significant impact at Real Betis and it is no surprise that they are not going to sell the Argentine without a fight.

It is thought that he has a £69m release clause in his contract at the Seville-based side, with Arsenal only ever paying more than that when they signed Nicolas Pepe for £72m in 2019.

To tempt Betis to sell, Arsenal would likely start with a bid around £25m before slowly increasing their offer until both sides can reach an agreement.

With the club currently pushing for a Champions League spot this season, it is easy to see why Rodriguez would be interested in moving to the Premier League.

Whether this transfer materialises or not remains to be seen, but Arsenal fans have good reason to be excited and intrigued by the idea of Rodriguez playing for the Gunners.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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