Arsenal Transfer News: Ricardo Rodriguez Eyes Granit Xhaka Link, Latest Rumours

Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez has intensified speculation of a move to Arsenal after suggesting he could join Swiss compatriot Granit Xhaka in north London this summer.

The defender has been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks and told Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger he could see himself fitting in at Arsenal alongside his international room-mate (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard): "That would be exciting, yes, especially because the room arrangement at Arsenal would be fixed as well."

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Xhaka completed his £34 million move to Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach last week, and Rodriguez could join the Swiss revolution if manager Arsene Wenger's side choose to activate his reported £19 million release clause.

Metro's Sean Kearns backed up reports the two Switzerland team-mates are close after Xhaka took to his official Instagram account to post a picture of the pair on international duty:

Rodriguez's price may be considered a bargain to many considering his status among Bundesliga defenders, and the allure of linking up with his long-time friend is just an added bonus in the move.

Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com has forced the point Rodriguez's modest price tag may make him a target for other outfits, too:

Xhaka and Rodriguez, both 23 years of age, ascended through Switzerland's youth teams together, featuring at under-17 level all the way through to their current level as two of the senior side's star players.

Metro blogger Oli Price-Bates has recommended the Gunners make a move for Rodriguez and cash in on Kieran Gibbs, who played second fiddle to Nacho Monreal during the 2015-16 campaign:

Rodriguez scored two goals and recorded three assists in 24 Bundesliga matches for Wolfsburg last season, and it appears the Gunners are in the frame to snatch his signature if they show the necessary initiative.

Meanwhile, it's been reported Arsenal have knocked Manchester United back after the Red Devils arose as surprise suitors to sign centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

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According to French newspaper Le 10 Sport, new United manager Jose Mourinho has pointed out the France international as a target this summer, but the defender isn't interested in a switch to Old Trafford (h/t Mirror's Liam Corless).

In any case, Arsenal would be unlikely to sell such a key figure to a direct rival, especially after French magazine France Football reported the 30-year-old is set to be named the Gunners' new captain (h/t Metro's Tom Olver).