Guido Rodriguez is aware of speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal but, speaking to Estadio Deportivo, the Argentina international insisted that he is happy and settled at Real Betis.
If the 26-year-old ball-winner wants to play European football in 2021/22, he is probably better off staying put.
While Betis are sitting pretty in sixth, flying up the table following a superb run of form, Arsenal are loitering down in ninth, closer to Leeds United in the bottom half than they are to the Europa League spots.
But, while the Gunners are not quite the force they once were, the lure of the Premier League remains as strong as ever.
Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian all swapped Champions League clubs for Arsenal last summer, after all.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal have made contact with Rodriguez as they look to tempt the former River Plate star to North London when the window opens.
Rodriguez has been inundated with questions and queries since the rumours first emerged earlier this week. Although he hardly sounds like a man preparing to bid farewell.
“I saw (the links with Arsenal) because friends from Argentina asked me about it. 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,” said Rodriguez.
“The truth is that I am very happy in Seville – with the city, the weather, at the club. I’m very happy.”
Rodriguez, who averages more successful tackles per game than Partey and has a £68 million release clause in his contract, may have been lined up as a replacement for the exit-linked Mo Elneny at Arsenal.
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