Arsenal leading Manchester United and Liverpool in £19m race for Wolfsburg defender

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a summer move for Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez, according to Tages-Anzeiger (via Ladbrokes).

The Premier League side, who finished second in the English top-flight standings ahead of North London rivals Tottenham on the final day of term, but still 10 points adrift of champions Leicester City, are interested in luring the Wolfsburg left-back to the Emirates Stadium before the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The 23-year-old, who has 36 international caps for his country and has been included in Switzerland’s 23-man squad for EURO 2016 later this month, scored three goals and provided four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit this season.

Rodriguez; who reportedly has a £19m release clause, is said to be currently sharing a room with the Gunners’ most recent addition, Granit Xhaka, whilst away on international duty.

The report suggests that boss Arsene Wenger is willing to meet the Swiss star’s release clause, although Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in the defender’s services.