The Premier League is not only one of the most competitive and entertaining leagues in the world but it is also one of the richest leagues in the world. So it does not come as a surprise that clubs in the league are ready to make big money moves for star players every time the transfer window is open.
With not much quality available on the cheap in the last couple of transfer windows, we have seen a couple of PL clubs fight each other for the signature of a single player and this January transfer window has been no different.
London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are on the lookout for players who can improve their squad and both clubs have been linked with a move for Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez.
The 24-year old is one of the most exciting players in his position in Europe at the moment and is wanted by clubs around the world. He is a top class player who has gathered some valuable experience with the club and country and is now the subject of a transfer battle between two English giants.
It is not often that Premier League clubs lose a race to sign a player to clubs outside the league but according to reports today, both Arsenal and Chelsea, might fail to land the defender in January.
Reports from Tuttosport, an Italian news publication, suggest that the Wolfsburg left-back, who could be on the move in January, has told his representatives which club he wants to join.
Rodriguez, who has more than 40 international caps and more than 140 Bundesliga appearances, is reported to have a £19m release clause in his contract and with not being an issue, he might now be off to Italy.
According to the report, Rodriguez has revealed that he wants to move to the San Siro to play for Inter Milan.
The Italian outfit has been on the lookout for a fullback for a while now but have not been able to get their hands on top transfer targets yet. However, with Rodriguez now leaning towards a move to Italy, they might not think twice about splashing the cash.
Arsenal and Chelsea will both feel hard done by as both clubs could have offered better wages and maybe, even more, playing time than at the San Siro.
No official word on a move is out yet but with the player happy to move to Inter, the deal may be done soon or in the summer transfer window.
Do you think missing out on Rodriguez is a blow for Arsenal and Chelsea?