Atletico Madrid want Arsenal midfielder to replace Rodrigo

Atletico Madrid have earmarked Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka as their ideal replacement for Rodrigo, claims The Daily Mirror.

Rodrigo has told Atletico he wants to leave the club this summer and is now expected to join Manchester City or Bayern Munich.

The Spain international’s preference is to play under Pep Guardiola and City have made it clear they will pay his £62.5m release clause.

Diego Simeone’s side have now started the process of finding Rodrigo’s replacement and have turned their attentions to Xhaka.

The Switzerland international has spent the last three years at Arsenal after some eye-catching campaigns for German outfit Gladbach.

Xhaka has divided opinion among Arsenal supporters during that time but was one of the club’s better performers last season.

Arsenal have no desire to sell Xhaka but Atletico are ready to test their resolve with a bid this summer.

Xhaka ranked in the top five midfielders for passes per game in Europe’s top five leagues last season (77.4).

The 26-year-old has scored seven Premier League goals for Arsenal in his career and six of those have come from outside the box.