Chelsea Steal March On Arsenal After Opening Talks Over £21m Defender Deal

Managers are now making moves to try and strengthen their squads during the January transfer window or next summer so we’ll bring you all the latest gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea have made their move for Ricardo Rodriguez….

Chelsea have stolen a march on Arsenal after making the first move in an attempt to seal a £21m deal for Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, according to a report in the Mirror.

Rodriguez has developed in to one of the best full-backs in German football since joining Wolfsburg from Zurich in 2012 and he’s become a regular for the Switzerland national team with 43 caps to his name so far.

The 24-year-old’s impressive form has attracted interest from the Premier League with the Mirror citing a report from the Sun that claims Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen on luring the defender to England.

The report indicates that the Gunners have been tracking Rodriguez in recent months after boss Arsene Wenger identified him as a potential new recruit as the Frenchman looks to bring in a new left-back.

Nacho Monreal is Arsenal’s current first choice but the Spaniard hasn’t been up to his usual high standards this season while back-up Kieran Gibbs is being tipped for a move after failing to hold down a first team place and Rodriguez could be viewed as his replacement.

However, it looks as though the Blues have stolen a march on Arsenal as the Mirror’s report suggests that the league leaders have now made the first move by holding talks with Rodriguez’s agent about a potential move to west London.

It’s said in the newspaper that Antonio Conte is keen to add another left-sided option to his squad and Chelsea are now hoping to thrash out a £21m deal to sign Rodriguez ahead of Arsenal.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

Marcos Alonso has been excellent since joining Chelsea last summer and has made the left wing-back role his own in Conte’s impressive 3-4-3 formation but the Blues have little depth behind the Spaniard after allowing Baba Rahman to leave on loan.

Rodriguez would be an excellent signing for the Premier League leaders if they could get a deal agreed but I wouldn’t discount Arsenal from the running just yet as they will be in need of a top class left-back if Gibbs does depart and they have the resources to challenge Chelsea.