Arsenal prepare €25m bid for Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez and are set to trigger his release clause worth €25m (£19m, $28m) this summer. The Swiss international has scored two goals and assisted three in 24 appearances for the Bundesliga giants but could be staring at his last season in Germany.

The Kicker states that Rodriguez's transfer has been initiated by Arsenal's youth director Andreas Jonker who has previously worked with Rodriguez during his time in Wolfsburg. Manchester United were also interested in the defender two years ago when Louis van Gaal first joined the club following his exploits in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

However, the transfer fell through but the Gunners are now favourites to claim his signature, as they look to build their squad and end their 12-year-long title drought. They reignited their interest earlier this year but were unable to complete a deal for the player, as quoted by the Independent.

The 23-year-old has three years left on his current contract and would unite with his compatriot Granit Xhaka should he move to the Emirates. The Gunners signed Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this week and the Swiss international will join with the club following the European Championships in France.

Xhaka has taken the No 16 jersey at Arsenal and will slot into the Arsenal midfield alongside a host of options that Arsene Wenger has at his disposal. The Gunners are well stacked in that department, with Francis Cioqeluin, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all queuing up for that coveted second spot behind Mesut Ozil.

The Gunners are also in the market for a striker and are reportedly mulling a bid for Juventus striker Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard is believed to be wanted by Real Madrid, who are willing to trigger his buyback clause at Juventus and sell him to a Premier League club for a much higher value.