Arsenal are considering various targets for the summer transfer window, as they look to strengthen their squad prior to the start of the new campaign. Manager Arsene Wenger failed to win a single title last season and will now want to improve on that, with the Gunners keen on bringing more quality players to the Emirates soon. Various areas in the squad need to be fortified with reinforcements and the defence is definitely a top priority, if the Gunners wish to get back to winning more silverware.
There has been a lot of talk about signing a center-back, as a long-term replacement for Per Mertesacker. The French manager will have to get his hands on a world-class center-back, with Gabriel Paulista failing to deliver last term.
However, the Frenchman could rather change things around in his squad with the addition of the 23 year old Switzerland international. The left-back is quite quick and is currently with VfL Wolfsburg. He has made a total of 125 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit since joining them in 2012 and has scored a total of 13 goals as well.
He would not only be a long term replacement for 30 year old Monreal, but can also be used in the upcoming campaign in order to completely change the setup at the back. The current first choice left-back has been quite solid, yet lacks the pace to deal with quick attacking footballers, who dribble a lot. Rodriguez, on the other hand, is quite aggressive while pushing forward and will add more flare than Monreal, as he can deliver some mouth-watering crosses into the box for his teammates to get an end product.
The Spanish international lacks in speed and inability to dribble puts him in trouble against young and quality players on his wing. It is my personal opinion that if the north London giants fail to find a world-class center-back to partner Laurent Koscielny for the upcoming campaign, Monreal could be asked to play as a center-back if needed.
Gabriel is too unreliable at the moment and needs more time. It would mean that the Spaniard would be pushed towards the center where he has played previously as well, with Rodriguez taking charge on the left. Kieran Gibbs has not been impressive in recent times and might possibly be loaned out or could be kept as a backup on the bench.
Further, Rodriguez likes to play long balls and is much better aerially in comparison to Monreal. Also, Rodriguez has a deadly left foot which helps him score from free-kicks as well. He can take corners and penalty kicks as well and he is one hell of a finisher. His left foot striks can be compared to former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie and he really looks a complete defender in every sense.
According to a report from German newspaper Kicker added that the Londoners will trigger the star’s €25m(£19m) release clause and possibly have him at the Emirates soon.