Barcelona add Argentina star to 3-man midfield shortlist that includes Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly added Real Betis star Guido Rodriguez to their midfield shortlist alongside Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich and Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi.
Rodriguez, 29, has established himself as a key starter for Los Verdiblancos since arriving from Liga MX outfit America for €4 million in January 2020. He has helped them lift the Copa del Rey trophy in the 2020-21 campaign.
A right-footed holding midfielder blessed with tackling and anticipation, the 27-cap Argentina international has drawn interest from a number of clubs of late. He has also rejected a contract renewal from Betis, as per SPORT.
According to Todofichajes, Barcelona have identified Rodriguez as one of their top midfield targets ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 season. Zubimendi is considered to be the main preference, while Kimmich is also desired.
Rodriguez, whose current deal is set to expire in June 2024, has impressed the La Liga champions with his physical attributes and tactical acumen. His experience in Spain could also help fashion a transfer to the Blaugrana.
Should the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner join Xavi Hernandez's outfit this summer, he would emerge as a first-team option for them. He could effectively fill in Sergio Busquets' boots and form a midfield trio with Pedri and Gavi.
On the other hand, Barcelona are expected to face multiple hiccups in their pursuit of Zubimendi due to his €60 million release clause. They are also unlikely to snap up Kimmich as the midfielder is unwilling to depart Bayern.
Overall, Rodriguez has netted seven goals and laid out three assists in 141 games across competitions for his club.
Barcelona star hails Xavi Hernandez's impact after La Liga triumph
During an interview with TV3's Gol a Gol, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo hailed Xavi Hernandez. He elaborated:
"Xavi's arrival has been so important for me and other players too. In the last few years, we were losing their essence in the way we were supposed to play as Barça players... especially when building up from the back."
Shedding light on how the ongoing season has panned out, Araujo continued:
"Our league season was truly spectacular. I remember us winning many difficult matches along the way, like the one at El Sadar or the Clasico at home. That's when we knew that we were very close to winning the title."
Earlier this month, Barcelona lifted their first league title in four years, overcoming a period of turmoil at the club.
Araujo, on the other hand, has proved to be a defensive pillar for Barcelona this season. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 31 overall games so far, helping his side register 18 clean sheets in the process.