Arsenal: Ricardo Rodriguez Rumors Encouraging

Arsenal have been linked to Ricardo Rodriguez in recent days, and the rumors are an encouraging sign for the Gunners.

Ricardo Rodriguez is an outstanding player. A left back playing in the Bundesliga for Wolfsburg, he has been quietly proficient for the German club for a number of years now, without ever garnering the attention that his play has deserved.

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Some may question whether Arsenal are in need of a left back. With the season that Nacho Monreal enjoyed last year, the Gunners possessed one of the best left backs in the league. With Kieran Gibbs as depth, Arsenal really do not have a need at the position. There are much bigger issues to be solved this Summer.

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However, when a player of Rodriguez’s quality comes available, sometimes need should not be considered. Rodriguez is an immediate improvement on Monreal. He is a world class player, defensively proficient, possesses great pace and a wicked left foot in wide areas.

Rodriguez would not be cheap. Reports suggest that Arsenal will meet the £19 million release clause the Swiss international’s contract. While in the modern world, that does not seem like a steep price to pay, full back is one of the least important positions on the pitch. While a weakness at the position can severely hinder a side, it is difficult to majorly effect and control a game from the position.

Some may say that spending nearly £20 million on a position that lacks need and effect is wasted money, however, Rodriguez is a special talent, and pairing him with Bellerin would give Arsenal the best full back duo in the Premier League. Arsenal’s system is notoriously tough on full backs, demanding that they join in attacking play without sacrificing their defensive duties.

It is a tough role to play, one that requires exceptional athletic ability. Monreal sometimes lacks the cutting edge going forward and can be susceptible to a pacy winger. He lacks the pace needed to excel in the Arsenal system. This is where Rodriguez’s quality comes to the fore, he is exceptionally quick, both going forward and dealing with some of the tricky, pacy wingers that the Premier League has to offer.

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While left back is not the biggest need in the squad, the chance to improve the team for both the short and long term with a player like Rodriguez is one that cannot be turned down by Arsenal. Wenger is after the best players in the world, and these rumors are an encouraging sign of such.