Arsenal, Liverpool hopes dashed as midfield enforcer speaks out on future

Guido Rodriguez has dampened speculation that he could join Arsenal or Liverpool by reaffirming his commitment to Real Betis.

The Argentine midfielder has excelled since moving to Europe, having joined Betis from Mexican side Club America in January 2020. This season, he has made 25 appearances in La Liga, 24 of which have been starts.

His form has seen him linked with a move to the Premier League. He was suggested as a target for Arsenal earlier this week.

Speculation then emerged that he could join Liverpool instead, as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. He would play in a deeper role than the Dutchman, but would still reinforce the middle of the park.

However, Rodriguez has played down those rumours. Under contract with Betis until 2024, the 26-year-old says he is “very happy” in Spain.

Rodriguez told Estadio Deportivo of the transfer speculation: “I saw it because friends from Argentina asked me, but I told them that I knew the same as them.

“I am the protagonist because I am in the news but today, I do not know more or less than you who also saw it.

“I am very happy, I arrived and there was one or two months with a strange situation for everyone with the issue of confinement. But the truth is that I am very happy in Seville, with the city, the weather, at the club. I’m very happy.”

Georginio Wijnaldum: No news on Liverpool future

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum says he has 'no news' on his future at the club with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

There has only been one thing missing for Rodriguez at Betis, and it is something Premier League clubs would be unable to provide either.

He said: “It feels a bit strange when we walk down the street. I would have liked to experience all this with the fans in the stadium. I could only play a few games with the stadium full.”

Liverpool warned about Wijnaldum replacement

Rodriguez is not the only midfielder to have been linked with Liverpool in the event that Wijnaldum departs this summer upon the end of his contract.

Another potential target would be someone with an Arsenal connection – former Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

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The Wales international is out of favour at Juventus and could have the chance to return to the Premier League. However, one pundit thinks he would be unsuitable for Liverpool.

Kevin Campbell told Football Insider of Ramsey: “He’s not Wijnaldum. Wijnaldum’s got a good engine and he knows how to score goals.

“I think he’s a good player but he’s not the same. He’s more of an attacking player whereas Wijnaldum’s a box-to-box player.

“Wijnaldum’s a really good, underrated player. I don’t think Ramsey’s as tough as Wijnaldum. He was part of those teams that got bullied at Arsenal, including by Liverpool.”

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