Tata Martino confirmed reports that Atlanta United are keen to sign West Ham midfielder Guido Rodríguez in an interview with Brazilian journalist Bruno Flores.
That said, he expressed uncertainty about whether or not a deal would be possible.
“He responded and told me that yes, they would really like to have Guido Rodríguez at Atlanta United, (but) added … ‘I don’t know if he will be within our reach,'” Flores said in a YouTube video posted Thursday morning.
If Rodríguez is ultimately out of reach, there are other suitors for his services elsewhere.
Grêmio initially wanted to sign the former Argentine international, but reports state that the club’s interest in him has “cooled.” That opened the door for Valencia to reportedly secure a loan deal for him through the summer, but after negotiations “hit a snag” between the La Liga side and his representation, Atlanta United stepped in.
There’s one wrinkle that could complicate matters: West Ham has sold one of its other midfielders, Andy Irving, to Czech top flight side Sparta Praha, possibly meaning the Hammers would be hesitant to let Rodríguez leave. However, Martino wasn’t sure what West Ham’s position was on that matter, he told Flores.
More updates are sure to come between now and the end of the British transfer window on February 2. But while we have confirmation from Martino himself that Rodríguez is in his sights, it won’t be easy to land him. Be sure to bookmark our Atlanta United transfer tracker for the latest transfer news and rumors as they come in.
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Looks like Guido is on his way to Valencia, per the West Ham twitter. Wonder who else we are eyeballing.
That was fun while it lasted, but WHU got Valencia to pick up the rest of his contract. I don’t think AUFC was in position to fit that onto our cap. Here’s to hoping the next target is close to as good, and ready to come here. We need a CDM.