Real Betis are “not considering” the sale of Guido Rodriguez with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly suitors for the Argentina international, president Angel Haro Garcia has told Estadio Deportivo.
After Manuel Pellegrini turned Betis’s season around and guided Los Verdiblancos into the Europa League positions, it’s only fair the La Liga side backs its veteran manager in the transfer market.
Betis were powerless to prevent Barcelona triggering the buy-back clause in Emerson’s contract, while there was little they could do to stop Aissa Mandi joining Villarreal on a free transfer.
But, with Guido Rodriguez tied down until 2024 and protected by a £68 million release clause, the Andalusians at least hold all the cards in this situation.
“Guido Rodríguez is standing out in the Copa America,” Haro says of a man who has started three times during Argentina’s run to the semi-finals.
“(Winger Diego) Lainez is also doing well with Mexico. This represents an increase in the market value of these players but, right now, we are not considering a sale of these players.”
Arsenal and Liverpool to miss out on Guido Rodriguez
Arsenal have been watching Rodriguez since he arrived in Spanish football from Mexican outfit Club America in January 2020, making contact with the late-blooming, tough-tackling enforcer a few months ago (MD).
But, while Rodriguez admitted he was “honoured” by interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, the 27-year-old won’t push for a move this summer (Estadio Deportivo).
Real Betis will be playing European football in 2021/22 after all – and that’s unfortunately more than can be said for Arsenal.
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