Chelsea are looking to steal a march on Arsenal by bidding £21 million for Wolfsburg wing-back Ricardo Rodriguez this month, according to The Sun.
The Swiss international has been linked with both the Gunners and Paris Saint-Germain in recent months but Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen his side’s title challenge by bidding for the 24-year-old.
Rodriguez would be a good fit for Conte’s 3-4-3 formation as his attacking abilities would be a step up on current wing back Marco Alonso who is more recognised as a traditional left back.
Arsene Wenger is said to be reluctant to bid for Rodriguez when he still has two recognised left backs in his first team squad. With Nacho Monreal the recognised first-choice in the position, the Gunners would need to offload Kieran Gibbs in order to compete with Chelsea to the signing of the Wolfsburg star.
Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Gibbs in recent days but no bid has yet been made.
