Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Ricardo Rodriguez and Jamie Vardy Rumours

Reported Arsenal target Ricardo Rodriguez has told Wolfsburg he wants to leave the club this summer.

The Bundesliga side’s sporting director, Klaus Allofs, told Swiss newspaper Blick (h/t ESPN FC) the club are planning for life without the left-back next season. “Rici has stated that his future is not with us," Allofs said. “But we can live with this decision.”

It’s noted in the piece that not only are the Gunners interested in the 23-year-old, but he has what seems to be a pretty low €25 million release clause in his contract.

Here is a look at why Arsenal may see that as a bargain:

As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, by his own high standards Rodriguez actually endured a disappointing 2015-16 campaign:

Still, the Swiss international was one toiling cog in a Wolfsburg machine that failed to recapture the form of the previous term. Rodriguez is a class operator and has shown frequently throughout his time in the German top flight that he’s one of the best left-backs on the continent.

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Arsenal’s current starter in the position, Nacho Monreal, is mainly a conservative full-back. By contrast, Rodriguez loves to bomb forward into advanced positions, and when does find himself in the final third, he has a wonderful left foot that delivers telling passes. Additionally, the Wolfsburg man is also excellent in dead-ball situations.

Indeed, Ben McAleer thinks that for the price aforementioned, Gunners chief Arsene Wenger shouldn’t be the only Premier League boss considering Rodriguez:

While Monreal has added a balance to the Arsenal defence, he’s a little limited in his playing style. With Rodriguez’s compatriot Granit Xhaka adding more energy in midfield next term, the Gunners could afford a left-back who is more cavalier, and the Wolfsburg man would be an ideal candidate to add that type of threat.

A departure seems on the cards, too, and while they may have to wait until after the UEFA European Championships, Arsenal should definitely be in the market for Rodriguez.

Claudio Ranieri Discusses Jamie Vardy

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Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has reiterated his desire to keep Jamie Vardy at the club, despite Arsenal triggering the player’s release clause.

Speaking with Sky Italia (h/t Tom Dutton of the London Evening Standard) the Foxes boss confirmed the bid from Arsenal and revealed that the 29-year-old striker will have the final say on where his future lies. 

“We want to keep him, Arsenal have said they will pay the full release clause, but he hasn’t accepted yet,” said Ranieri. “He gets the last word.”

As reported by Dutton, the Gunners bid £20 million for Vardy and have already agreed terms on a three-year deal. With the player part of the England squad for the Euros, the clubs have been made to wait for a decision from the striker.

Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones has stated that Vardy is looking likely to stay with the surprise Premier League champions:

And why not? After all, the Foxes will be in the UEFA Champions League next season, play to Vardy’s strengths and gave him a chance to shine at the elite level. Football journalist Patrick Boyland is doubtful whether the contrasting styles of Arsenal and the striker would mesh, either:

The pursuit of the Leicester man is an indication that Wenger could be considering mixing up the way in which his team attacks. So often his side are accused of being a little pedestrian and careful in their buildup. Vardy’s rapid darts into the channels and direct dribbling would provide an edge.

Ranieri showed exactly how to get the best out of this fascinating forward last season, as Vardy’s goals helped Leicester on their way to a remarkable triumph. While he would not be the focal point of the Arsenal team if he was to move, the diversity he’d bring to their forward play could well yield further glories.