Rumour Reel: Rodriguez release clause interests Arsenal?
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | June 11, 2016
The agent of Switzerland left back Ricardo Rodriguez claims the release clause in his client’s contract with club team Wolfsburg is now active, so that has piqued Arsenal’s interest – according to the British weekend tabloids.
Attack-minded outlet Rodriguez, 23, is among the top young players to watch at Euro 2016, and Gunners fans can see what all the fuss is about as their rumoured target is likely to start for the Swiss against Albania in the 2pm kick-off on Saturday, June 11th.
Rumoured Rodriguez raid by Gunners could be coming
Rodriguez, who has Chilean and Spanish heritage but was born in Zurich, takes a mean penalty and won the DFB Pokal (the German Cup) in 2015.
Compatriot Granit Xhaka has already signed for Arsenal ahead of the Euros for a reported £30m, and this is believed to be something the Gunners can use to their advantage in any negotiations with Rodriguez.
Strengthening defence has been touted as a priority for Arsene Wenger by many pundits, and the left back berth at the Emirates is one where an upgrade on current options is perceived as necessary.
Toffees continue to chase Cillessen capture
Meanwhile, Everton will step up their pursuit of Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen as they look to replace Tim Howard.
Dutch stopper Cillessen, 27, was a rumoured target of sacked Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, but the investors at Goodison Park understand the need to find a new number one.
Joel Robles has always looked shaky at set-pieces when given Premier League game time, while 30-times capped Netherlands international Cillessen has played almost 150 games for Amsterdam outfit Ajax.
Saints striker Pelle attracting Old Lady
In other Everton news, they are likely to be beaten by Italian champions Juventus to the signing of Southampton’s Azzurri frontman Graziano Pelle.
Even with Ronald Koeman’s impending appointment as next Goodison gaffer, his long-standing relationship with the player may not be enough to keep Pelle from being poached by the Old Lady.
Speculation continues that Juve will sell highly-rated, rangy Spain striker Alvaro Morata, so Pelle represents a cheaper and more experienced alternative to compete with Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza for a starting spot in Turin.
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