Arsenal have been issued a warning from Wolfsburg’s sporting director over the chances of them signing heavily rumoured target Ricardo Rodriguez.
As well as competition heating up from rival clubs watching him carry his Switzerland side through at the Euro’s, the Gunners could be forced to pay above the odds.
Following the confirmation that the 23-year-old is set to move away from the Bundesliga club in this transfer window, Arsene Wenger could be ready to cash in on a second summer signing.
Rodriguez has been a fantastic asset to the Swiss national team since becoming their first choice full-back at the age of 19, and provides perfect cover for the outgoing Kieran Gibbs.
Gibbs picked up just three starts in the Premier League last season and Wenger is worried about the level of competition in defence being too low to keep Nacho Monreal on his toes.
That’s where Rodriguez comes in to solve a scenario that will surely cement Arsenal’s back-line, but despite having a release clause of £20million, there’s a fresh update on his availability.
Although it may look likely an easy way in to the transfer, that release clause because null and void at the beginning of July, meaning Wolfsburg have the power to ramp up the price.
We are on the alert and we are prepared.
Rodriguez and/or Gustavo will not get cheaper in July, rather the opposite.
That was Wolfsburg’s sporting director Klaus Allofs talking to the Metro, and due to him having just one year left on his contract Wolfsburg are still powerless to letting their man go.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Rodriguez following the signing of his national teammate Granit Xhaka, who has stated his admiration if he was lucky enough to welcome his friend to the club.
One thing is for sure here, if Arsenal can’t get this deal wrapped up in the next week or so, then expect his price tag to be significantly larger with Liverpool also interested in filling that position.
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