Barcelona target Guido Rodriguez declines renewal offer from Real Betis

Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez has declined a renewal offer amid interest from Barcelona, reports Sport.

The Argentine’s contract at Benito Villamarin expires in the summer of 2024, and he is keen on securing a move to Barca.

Betis could be forced to put Rodriguez on the market this summer, presenting the Blaugrana with a chance to sign him for a cut-price fee.

The Blaugrana have been continuing their search for a new defensive midfielder as a replacement or a deputy for Sergio Busquets, with various names appearing on the wishlist.

Rodriguez is not the first choice, with Barca prioritising Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan’s transfer to Camp Nou looks imminent as several reports suggest that an agreement has been reached between the Manchester City midfielder and the Catalan giants.

However, there are doubts over Amrabat’s transfer due to the transfer fee La Viola are demanding, although the Moroccan is keen on a switch to Camp Nou.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is no longer a target for Barca due to his expensive valuation, while Barca manager Xavi has reservations about Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves.

Xavi is not against the transfer of Rodriguez, as he believes he can bring a lot of experience to the table.

The 29-year-old has been at the heart of Betis’ midfield since 2020, making 138 appearances in all competitions. He was also linked with moves to Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool last summer.

Rodriguez was also part of the Argentine national team that lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

As far as Busquets is concerned, the Spanish midfielder is expected to make a decision on his future, with his contract at Camp Nou expiring in the summer.

The feeling is that the Blaugrana skipper will stay put and sign a one-year extension.