If reports are to be believed by major Tabloids all across Britain, Liverpool are in direct tussle with the current Premier League leaders Arsenal in a transfer scrap over Southampton’s wonder star this campaign Jay Rodriguez. Liverpool might perhaps be prepared to lose Luis Suarez to Real Madrid this coming January if a deal does come in place for the talented and crafty but unpredictable Uruguayan. The Reds from Merseyside have identified the Three Lions’ new boy and Southampton’s star Jay Rodriguez as Suarez’s potential replacement.
However its also believed that Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely and have been tracking the Saints forward and might be ready to pounce this January by placing a potential ‘undeniable’ bid on the table. Though it has been reported that Liverpool did make enquiries about the 24 year old over the course of the summer but a deal failed to materialize.
Rodriguez was snapped up by Southampton from Championship side Burnley for just a meager 7m and there has been no looking back for the English youngster. The former Burnley man depicts his immense talent by demonstrating his positions all over the pitch. He can either play as a striker or a supporting fiddle to the classic number nine or can even put in a good shift when drafted out wide.
So Where should he go?
Arsene Wenger is sure to be in the market for a centre forward this coming January in a bid as far as the Gunners’ title aspirations are concerned and Arsenal Scouts have also pinpointed Rodriguez to just more than a squad player and some one who can invariably strengthen their limited attacking prowess. With Giroud being their only main man, buying a forward in January is a must for the gunners.
For Liverpool, they already have a good attacking lineup in the squad. Reds should try their best to keep Suarez with them and aim to finish in top four this season. With the famous SAS (Suarez and Sturridge) doing so well, there is absolutely no need to buy a striker at the moment. With Rodgers playing a 3-5-2 formation, there is no need for a winger too. Adding a central midfielder should be their main preference as they lack bit of depth in the centre.
Considering this, the rising star from Southampton should move to Arsenal which will be mutually beneficial for both the club and the player.
However Rodriguez’s contract at the St Mary’s is till 2016 but the big question is whether Southampton can resist themselves to a overwhelming bid placed on their platter. However its expected that manager Mauricio Poccetino and club’s executive Chairman, Nicola Cortse would definitely fight and go hammer and tongs to keep their star striker in their kitty as far as this season is concerned, albeit a wonderful start to the campaign.
Southampton have been in mesmerizing form this campaign and much of the credit goes to the manager for the way they have expressed themselves on the pitch. They have gelled well as an unit and have been sublime and untouchable at times. Whether or not the St Mary’s home faithful can hold on to their breath as the season prolongs is a question for the pundits and experts alike all over the Premiership, it certainly would be worth seeing the Saints nick an European berth come at the end of the campaign.
Scouting Jay Rodriguez (Video),