Arsenal target deal for €80m Real Betis star as Thomas Partey upgrade

Guido Rodriguez TEAMtalk

Arsenal are planning a summer move for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to a report in Spain.

According to El Mundo Deportivo the Gunners will “push hard” for the Argentina midfielder, who has impressed for the LaLiga side.

Rodriguez, 26, only arriving in Spain in January 2020 for 3m from Mexican club America. However, he has quickly become the mainstay of Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

The Mexican outfit do have a 25% sell on clause on the player after Betis took advantage of his contractual situation in 2020.

He has been watched by Arsenal scouts on numerous occasions, but is under contract until 2024. He also has a termination clause of 80m, per the source.

The combative midfielder has ousted William Carvalho and made 25 LaLiga appearances in a defensive midfield role.

The Spanish outlet claim “Arsenal has set his sights on him” after Thomas Partey failed to meet expectations.

Partey was a 50m signing from Atletico Madrid in the summer, but he has struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League.

The midfielder was touted as the solution to the club’s long-standing issues in the engine room.

 

Mikel Arteta: First half display from Arsenal unacceptable

Mikel Arteta: First half display from Arsenal unacceptable

Mikel Arteta was furious with Arsenal's first half performance against West Ham in which they conceded three goals.

 

Glimpses of his dynamic midfield talents have been seen, but persistent injuries have ensured the best is yet to come.

Partey did return against Leicester and has started the last three Premier League games. But he has managed just 12 league starts this campaign and the report says Mikel Arteta was expecting more.

Betis could well be open to a key sale this summer. In fact the report claims they are are “obliged” to sell on one of their stars to balance their books in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Seville-based side are aware of the interest from Arsenal and Rodriguez will represent their best chance to make the most profit.

Gunners track striker

Patson Daka TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Arsenal, along with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are tracking Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka.

Salzburger Nachrichten (SN) report that the Premier League quartet are all keen on the Zambia international forward.

The 22-year-old can play all across the frontline and is currently valued at around €20m. He is under contract until 2024 in Austria.

Daka has scored 27 goals, including 20 in 18 games for Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga as they march on for the league title.

He enjoyed another prolific campaign last season scoring 27 times and scouts have been attracted by his impressive numbers.

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