Real Betis president Angel Haro Garcia has confirmed that the Spanish club are "not considering" the sale of talented midfielder Guido Rodriguez this summer.
Rodriguez, 27, has been closely linked with a move away from the La Liga outfit in recent months, with Arsenal reportedly keen on securing his signature to bolster Mikel Arteta's midfield options.
Back in May, it was reported by Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo that Arsenal had entered discussions with Betis about the prospect of bringing the central-midfielder to north London. It was claimed that they were 'close to reaching an agreement' and that the fee would be just over £40million, despite him having a release clause within his contract of somewhere within the region of £68million.
However, a move failed to materialise. Nevertheless, there have still been murmurings that the Gunners remain interested in the Argentina international, as do Liverpool.
Now, Betis president Garcia has issued an update on two of Betis' players who have been performing well at Copa America, including Rodriguez, insisting that, at this moment in time, neither of them are for sale.
"Guido Rodriguez is standing out in the Copa America," said Garcia, speaking to Estadio Deportivo." (Diego) Lainez is also doing well with Mexico.
"This represents an increase in the market value of these players but, right now, we are not considering a sale of these players."
Considering that Rodriguez is contracted to Betis until the summer of 2024 and has a release clause of just under £70million, the Spanish club are in a strong position to retain his services.
Nevertheless, Rodriguez did address the reports linking him with a move away from the club a couple of months ago, insisting he was "honoured."
He said: "I live very calmly. I am focused on Betis, I am very happy. It is an honour that people speak well of me but, being intelligent, I have to continue doing the same, concentrating on Betis and what I have to do in each game.
"I am confident in the project that is being put together. I am happy in the club and in the city. I would love to play in Europe with Betis.
"When I arrived (from Club America) it was difficult, especially since I came from the Mexican league. I arrived in the middle of the season and it was difficult for me to get into the rhythm of the game.
"Now I know all my team-mates and what they can do on the field, I am adapting."
With Rodriguez boasting a release clause of almost £70million, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will fund a move for him this summer, as Arteta is desperate to bring multiple new players into his squad.
While signing an attacking-midfielder is one of the Spaniard's top priorities, three defensive-minded players are poised to be his first signings of the summer window.
The club are very close to wrapping up the additions of Nuno Tavares of Benfica and Anderlecht defensive-midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. The duo are poised to join for a combined fee of £25million should their respective medicals go according to plan.
Meanwhile, the Gunners remain confident of getting a deal over the line for Brighton & Hove Albion star Ben White.
