BARCELONA’S HOPES OF LANDING GUIDO RODRIGUEZ DERAILED BY REAL MADRID

Real Madrid is keen on beating Barcelona to the race to sign Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez this summer. According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, the Argentine player has attracted interests from both La Liga giants.

A product of the youth system of Argentine giants River Plate, Guido has had spells in Mexico before joining Betis. Real Betis secured the services of the 26-year-old from CF America in January 2020.

The Argentine has had quite an impact in La Liga, scoring three goals in 43 appearances. A defensive midfielder by position, Guido has only missed 3 games for Betis due to injuries and suspensions.

A highly valued player on Manuel Pellegrini’s side, Rodriguez has begun attracting interests from Premier League side Arsenal too. Now the Argentine International may open a tug of war between Barcelona and arch-rivals Real Madrid.

A TUG OF WAR BETWEEN LA LIGA GIANTS REAL AND BARCELONA

While Barcelona has a fairly stacked midfield, they are looking for backups and reinforcements. With a slowing Busquets and a Pjanic who has flopped, Barcelona’s midfield does require a boost. And while Ilaix Moriba shows signs of promise, he is yet to achieve the quality required to perform consistently at the top level.

The Catalans have already identified Wijnaldum as a possible transfer target this summer. The fact that Georginio’s contract with Liverpool runs out this summer has made him an easier target. Rodriguez has also emerged as an option but the Blaugrana can expect stiff competition from Real Madrid.

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Barcelona Have Now Set Their Sights On A New Youth Prospect

While Madrid’s midfield is in dire need of a boost, their rivals may have an edge over them. Barcelona’s academy product, Juan Miranda is on loan at Real Betis currently and his contract expires in the summer. The Catalans may trigger a two-year extension on his contract and swap him for Rodriguez.

However Real are desperate to stop any such move from happening, primarily due to the woeful state of their midfield. Luka Modric is in the final phase of his career. Toni Kroos is well in his thirties. And the lack of any other options in the defensive midfield position other than Casemiro is forcing Zidane to overuse the Brazilian.

Real Madrid is thus in dire need of a midfield makeover which makes them all the more desperate. It yet remains to be seen whether either of the clubs will make a bid to secure the services of Rodriguez. However irrespective of who ends up landing him, the Argentine midfielder is a player to watch out for sure.