According to Mirror, Arsenal have enquired to Valencia regarding the availability of Rodrigo Moreno. The Gunners are actively searching for a centre-forward, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang facing an uncertain future at the club. Rodrigo is believed to have a £110 million release clause but could be allowed to leave for £45 million to £50 million excluding add ons.
Rodrigo Moreno: Player profile
Rodrigo is regarded as one of Spain’s best strikers, having performed consistently for Valencia over the years. In fact, the Spaniard has featured in over 200 competitive appearances for the club, scoring 57 goals. He has also registered as many as 41 assists, which is quite impressive for a centre forward.
Indeed, the 29-year-old is identified as a modern number nine. Although he has only scored two goals in the league this season, Rodrigo’s overall contribution in the attacking department has been far more significant.
For example, the Valencia attacker has averaged one key pass and 1.4 attempts on goal per game. But more importantly, he has registered nine assists. His combination with Maxi Gomez and Dani Parejo has been essential in helping the Spanish giants remain in the race for the Champions League places this season.
Is Rodrigo a viable replacement for Aubameyang?
Rodrigo is equipped with certain qualities that would make him an ideal replacement for Aubameyang. His versatility, in particular, is quite impressive as he can operate not only as a centre forward but also as a right-winger as well as a false nine.
Also, the Spaniard can trackback and link up with players in deeper positions. It helps the team in the build-up phase and drastically improves the chance creation, which explains why the Valencia star has registered so many assists in the La Liga. And this makes him an ideal fit for Arsenal as he can be incorporated in the attack alongside Alexandre Lacazette.
Furthermore, Rodrigo has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football. It makes him a less risky option in the market, at least when compared to someone like Luka Jovic, meaning that the striker is more likely to settle in quickly at the Emirates, despite the fast-paced nature of English football.
If Aubameyang does depart Arsenal in the summer, the Gunners are likely to have enough funds to sign Rodrigo, whose reported £45 million to £50 million price tag is fairly reasonable for a player of his calibre.
However, keeping hold of Aubameyang should remain the priority for Mikel Arteta’s side this summer as the Gabonese international is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in world football.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored