Arsenal ready to swoop for Rodriguez

Cape Town - Arsenal are reportedly interested in activating the release clause of Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez.

Arsene Wenger is said to be a keen admirer of the left-back's abilities and wants to add him to their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The attacking full-back could provide stiff competition for Nacho Monreal and looks set to replace Kieran Gibbs, who has been linked with a move away from the Gunners in the off-season.

According to German publication Kicker, the English Premier League outfit are willing to meet Rodriguez's €25m euro release clause before it expires in June - in a move that will see him join his Swiss international teammate Granit Xhaka at the North London club.

Since joining Die Wölfe from FC Zurich in 2012 for a fee of £7.5m, Rodriguez has registered 20 goals and 25 assists in 157 games.