English giants, Arsenal, are said to be looking into the situation and signature of VFL Wolfsburg left-back, Ricardo Rodriguez, report Kicker and Bild. The 23-year-old Swiss international is valued around €20 million and is close friends with the Gunners' newest midfielder, Granit Xhaka, who moved into the Emirates last week.
Ricardo Rodriguez has been on the radar of some of Europe's top guns including the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but decided to stay on at Wolfsburg last season with them having achieved UEFA Champions League qualification.
Trending
This season, however, the Swiss international couldn't help the team much as they finished the season in 8th place and without participation in any of the UEFA European competitions.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are on the lookout for players in multiple positions as they look to prepare adequately for the Premier League next season having finished as runner-ups this time around - behind surprise package Leicester City.
With Granit Xhaka already a Gunner, Arsene Wenger is on the lookout for a striker, a centre-back and maybe a full-back given Keiran Gibbs and Mathieu Debuchy have failed to impress.
Ricardo Rodriguez would represent a clinical purchase by the North London club given his valuation and the amount of energy he brings to a team. With Nacho Monreal entering his early thirties and no viable backup – barring Keiran Gibbs – the need for a genuine left-back is visible for all to see.
With three goals and four assists to his name this season, the Zurich-born defender is seen as someone who could fully utilise the height and strength of Olivier Giroud in the team. Rodriguez is an excellent crosser of the ball and Giroud would love connecting to those to tuck away chances.
While Monreal has been impressive this season – and statistically the best left-back in the league – his inability to adequately contribute in attacks often fails to separate him from the rest. Rodriguez, however, would fix this situation and do just what Hector Bellerin is doing on the other side of the pitch for Arsenal.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are also said to be interested in the signing of Alvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku, Mauro Icardi and a 'top top quality' centre-back with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly often touted as a possible target.
With Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp all getting their first full-pre-season, it's imperative Wenger prepares his squad for what could be the best Premier League season ever.
