It seems Arsenal are prepared to remedy their strength up-front with an initial loan bid for Benfica striker Rodrigo who fans may remember spent some time as a Bolton Wanderers player. The striker has been subject to an earlier £25m bid from wealthy Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg. That bid was accepted by the club but the player is believed to be less than impressed with the prospect of Russian football according to a report in the Express via the Independent.
Rodrigo Moreno Machado, simply known as Rodrigo is a Brazilian born Spanish striker who developed in the Real Madrid C and B teams before joining Benfica in 2010. The 22-year-old has played for Spain at U19, U20, U21 and U23 level but has yet to win a senior cap. Rodrigo is a versatile centre-forward, able to play as a second striker or in wide positions. Rodrigo plays mostly left-footed and has great finishing ability scoring this goal against Porto:
The player has some Premier League experience spending an unremarkable season on loan for Bolton in 2010-2011, making 17 appearances mostly as a substitute and scoring 1 goal.
Rodrigo has made a total of 17 appearances for Benfica this term, scoring 8 goals and is thought to also be of interest to Valencia. It is not thought that Arsenal are willing to meet the Russian bid of £25million, preferring instead a loan until the Summer with a view to buy then says the report.
Source: DSG
