La Liga club keen to renew 29-year-old midfielder as Barcelona eye cut-price January move

Only a week after the summer transfer window came to a closure, Barcelona are already understood to be sketching out their plans for January.

The Blaugrana wish to make use of the mid-season trading period to sign another pivot midfielder to support and compete with summer signing Oriol Romeu.

As per reports, one of the names on Barcelona’s radars for the same is Real Betis and Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez.

Barcelona eyeing Guido, but Real Betis eye renewal

The 29-year-old Guido Rodriguez was on Barcelona’s radar during the summer as well but they opted for Romeu.

However, the 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina is now being seen as a concrete option for January due to his contract situation.

Rodriguez’s contract expires in 2024, meaning he could be available in a cut-price transfer in January and Barça want to pounce.

Given the situation, though, Real Betis are eager to try and renew the midfielder’s contract and are prepared to make a huge effort to achieve their aim, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The Verdiblancos are a bit thin on numbers in midfield and do not wish to lose Rodriguez in January, and as such, are prepared to offer him a new and lucrative contract.

The new deal would see the Argentine become one of the top earners at Real Betis along with Nabil Fekir, if he opts to renew.

More clubs interested

Apart from Betis’ desire to renew his contract, Barcelona face more impediments in signing Guido Rodriguez in the form of interest from clubs across Europe.

Napoli and AC Milan in Italy are understood to be interested in the Argentine while Premier League club Nottingham Forest are also keen,

Meanwhile, Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon are also admirers of the 29-year-old defensive midfielder.

So, Barcelona will likely have to move quickly if they are indeed serious about signing Rodriguez in January.