Arsenal: Ricardo Rodriguez Rumours Just Won’t Die

Ricardo Rodriguez is once again being linked with a move to the Emirates. Such reports just won’t die and Arsenal would be wise to pursue the full-back.

The January transfer window has been utterly disappointing thus far. Arsenal have, predictably, been very quiet, only dipping their toe in the murky waters to acquire young, non-league talent, Cohen Bramhall and the biggest signing thus far has been Morgan Schneiderlin’s move to Everton, reuniting with Ronald Koeman.

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Arsene Wenger is notoriously disenchanted with the winter window. Primarily thanks to the steadfast economic principles that he runs the club by, Wenger believes that there is a lack of value to be found in January as clubs drive up their prices due to them losing their best players midway through a season.

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Such reasoning certainly has some logic to it and it is seemingly backed up by history. Very rarely is a bargain found in January. Confusing (at least from a footballing, and not a media, stance), then, as to why Arsenal are still repeatedly linked to various talents across the European footballing landscape. The latest name is one that was heavily rumoured to be close to a move in the summer; Ricardo Rodriguez.

The reports claim that the Gunners are one of three clubs interested in acquiring the services of the Swiss international and as such will have to move fast if they are to be successful with their initial interest. It is highly unlikely that this move will take place in the coming days but there is scope for a possible transfer in the summer months.

With Nacho Monreal continuing to age – and continually showing the depreciating effect that his increasing age is having on his game – and Kieran Gibbs far from reliable thanks to a mire of injury issues throughout his career thus far, it is easy to see why Wenger sees investment in the position a sensible venture.

And certainly, Rodriguez would offer Arsenal will an excellent solution to the growing problem. Boasting the attacking talents that Wenger seeks in a full-back (he has a wonderful left-foot delivery, both in open play and from set pieces) and the pace, the engine and the defensive nous to excel in the Premier League, the now 24-year-old is the perfect candidate to supplant Monreal.

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Will a move ever happen? I sincerely hope so. Just two or three years ago, I would never have entertained the idea. But after the mild spending spree in the summer – nearly £100 million – perhaps there is a changing narrative regarding Arsenal and the transfer window. Plus, these pesky rumours just won’t die.