Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders to enhanced their current options, including former hero Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal may be considering new central midfield options ahead of next season with Jack Wilshere’s contract running down and Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny showing inconsistency.
While 27-year-old Aaron Ramsey has excelled in his 10th season in North London, Arsene Wenger has regularly had difficulty finding a suitable, regular partner for the Welsh star.
Although a handful of Gunners fans pined for Cesc Fabregas’s return following a recent teasing tweet, Wenger may be best to consider a younger alternative.
The best candidate for the vacancy at this moment in time appears to be Villarreal midfielder Rodri.
The 21-year-old has had an outstanding season in La Liga, earning a new long-term contract back in December and receiving his first Spain cap in the new year.
Rodri has already earned comparisons to Spanish legend Sergio Busquets due to his intelligent play style in a deep central midfield role.
Although his attacking statistics aren’t impressive, Rodri has specialised in breaking up play, winning the ball back from his opponents and keeping possession with a solid range of passing.
The former Atletico Madrid youngster has been touted with a switch to Barca, viewed as the long-term successor to Busquets, while Los Colchoneros have also expressed a strong interest in a reunion.
Arsenal represent a viable option to the 21-year-old, however, with Wenger’s influence likely to play a huge role and a clear path to the first team.
With Arsenal’s primary problems situated in their defensive game, Rodri would allow for their attacking game to blossom while covering Ramsey and their defensive line wisely.
According to AS, Rodri’s buyout clause remains at a very reasonable €20m. Should the Gunners pull a deal off, such a small outlay would also allow Wenger to strengthen other weak areas in the squad.
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