Here’s another one that just repeated itself and has done the rounds again in the arsenal news networks:
Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez has reportedly become an Arsenal target, especially now that he is available at a lower price, after his £21m buyout clause expired the Express understands.
And according to Bleacher Report, it is evident that Rodriguez, who may have been a ‘hit’ and a ‘miss’ in a Wolfsburg team that struggled last term, would be a sensible signing for the Gunners. With Nacho Monreal playing diligent and impressive football on the left and a back up in the form of England international Kieran Gibbs, one wonders about the chances of this one coming through.
However, Monreal is almost 30, while Gibbs has not been able to replace his competitor in the left back position for an entire season. This could only mean that there is a chance that the latter will seek a move away from the club.
Rodriguez is a fine wing back, works very well in transition from defense to attack and has a knack for figuring out tricky wide players, not unlike Monreal, though the Wolfsburg left back is a notch above when it comes to playing on the offensive.
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs claimed Rodriguez has been quoted as saying:
“Rici has stated that his future is not with us,”
“But we can live with this decision.”
Rodriguez, who played for Switzerland national side along with Arsenal new boy Xhaka, is currently on vacation after the Swiss exited from the Euros. For a player who plays as a defender, Rodriguez has a decent goal tally. He has scored 20 goals in all competition for the German club. This can only mean that he would be able to play up high on the pitch and at a decent pace were he to come to the Emirates. Tactically, one wonders if this would give Wenger the option of playing with 3 central defenders instead of 2, a formation that has seen, for instance, the Italians rise and shine above the skies.
A 3-5-2 formation with quick wing backs who play high up on the pitch, could help Arsenal set a high tempo in some games, especially on the counter. It could open up an interesting possibility for them.
Ricardo Rodriguez to Arsenal can only be a sensible signing one that would ensure pace, power, intelligence and more importantly, a balance on both ends in terms of attack and defense.
Fingers crossed. Rodriguez must come to Arsenal!!
