Reports suggest Chelsea have made a move to swoop in and raid Arsenal’s transfer target Ricardo Rodriguez from Wolfsburg with a potential move to Stamford Bridge in the transfer window. The Premier League leaders have made contact with the left-back’s agent to sound out whether he would be willing to make a January transfer to the Blue side of London.
Antonio Conte is reportedly hopeful of landing the 24-year-old for £21million, who has been a prime target for Arsene Wenger’s side for a few seasons now The Blues boss wants to add competition for Marcos Alonso at left-wing-back in his 3-4-3 formation to bolster their title chances over the next five months.
Chelsea signed Marcos Alonso last summer, but they have limited options in that area – especially now Cesar Azpilicueta has switched into a more central role in Conte’s preferred formation. The Blues know they are able to go in with a straight cash offer without having to offload any of their players, and they are now favorites to get their man.
Landing Rodriguez would be a major coup for Chelsea, with Arsenal also keen. But reports suggest that the Blues could beat their rivals to sign the Swiss left-back. The player contributes to both the defensive and attacking aspect of Wolfsburg’s playing style. Add to that his undeniable ability from dead-ball situations and the 24-year-old is a complete package. His physicality means he is likely to be a perfect fit to handle the rigours of the Premier League.
Gunners’ scouts have been following Rodriguez’s progress of late with doubts emerging over Kieran Gibbs’ future. Gibbs has lost his place in the first team to Nacho Monreal and is interesting Crystal Palace as his contract at the Emirates runs out in the summer.
Rodriguez has made 174 appearances for Wolfsburg since joining from Zurich in 2012. Rodriguez, who has played 16 times for 13th-placed Wolfsburg this season scoring and assisting twice each, was also rumored to have been on Manchester United’s transfer shortlist last summer.