Aston Villa are reportedly one of a number of clubs looking at a move for Leeds United striker Rodrigo this summer and if Unai Emery’s side do make a move, then they should consider suggesting a swap deal for Cameron Archer.
Rodrigo, 32, is widely expected to leave Leeds this summer. Currently with Spain’s National Team and helping his country win in the Nations League semi-finals on Thursday, he is likely to exit – with his contract ending in 2024.
Ben Jacobs has told Leeds United Ultras’ YouTube channel that Villa – along with PSG and Brighton – are among the clubs looking at Rodrigo. While Rodrigo’s exit is likely, he will need replacing at Elland Road in the coming months.
So, why not request a striker in a deal that has recent Championship experience and indeed, impressed while on loan at Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough. Joining Boro in January, he scored 11 goals and created six in 20 games.
Villa looking at Leeds striker Rodrigo, should consider Archer swap deal
Patrick Bamford cannot be replied upon and while he is a top striker at Championship level, Leeds need other options in the final third. Georginio Rutter could provide that, but Bild say he is a loan target for old side Hoffenheim.
Joe Gelhardt is due to return after a loan at Sunderland but he struggled with the Black Cats, largely due to Ross Stewart’s injury. Leeds need a striker that is hungry, powerful and has proven he can do it in the Championship.
Archer is that, in a nutshell. Ideal as a no.9 but more than able to play out wide, his form in the Championship last term under Carrick at Boro was impressive. Middlesbrough want to re-sign him on loan, according to Alan Nixon.
Leeds should make their move. Rodrigo is still likely to cost a decent fee even if he is in the last year of his deal, given his form in the Premier League last term. It is unclear how much Archer is rated at, but a swap could be ideal.
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