Arsenal Prepare Bid for Real Madrid Youth

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal are putting together an offer for promising Real Madrid youngster Jose Rodriguez.

The 16-year-old Rodriguez was voted Player of the Tournament at the Under-17 World Club Championship.  The Madrid academy graduate has made a favourable impression on Arsenal's scouting network, and Arsene Wenger is ready to move quickly to tie up a deal.

Rodriguez is a fleet-footed central attacking midfielder who is also capable of playing as a striker.  He offers a deft delivery into the box.

Rodriguez possesses excellent vision and awareness for a player so young.  He is an energetic box to box midfielder with above-average strength, which could help him to settle quickly in the Premier League.

The Mail indicates that Rodriguez is tempted by a move to Arsenal because he has been promised a quick route to first-team inclusion.  Arsenal are thought to have a two-year plan to incorporate Rodriguez into the senior fold.

Securing Rodriguez is unlikely to assuage an increasingly tetchy Gunners fanbase who are desperate for more marquee experienced players to bolster the team's chances in the coming season.

By moving for Rodriguez, Arsenal would be sending a clear message that they are firmly committed to resisting the lure of paying exorbitant fees for short-term solutions.

The club are adhering strictly to the policy of unearthing and developing the stars of the future.  Rodriguez would join fellow Spanish youngsters Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin as proof of Arsenal's continued belief in this philosophy.

But these talented fledglings seem unlikely to provide the instant upgrade most Arsenal fans feel the team needs.

Ensuring a bright long-term future for the club by harnessing exciting prospects is a good thing.  But Arsenal must work faster to secure the solutions to their more immediate problems.