Chelsea set to pip Arsenal in race to sign Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez

CHELSEA have made the first move in an attempt to beat Arsenal to the signing of Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez.

The Premier League leaders have made contact with the left-back’s agent to sound out whether he would be willing to make a January transfer window switch to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have been tracking the Swiss international for the past couple of months, but the Blues have decided to move quickly to steal a march on their London rivals.

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And boss Antonio Conte is hopeful of securing a £21million deal for the full-back as he looks to bolster his squad for the title run-in over the next five months.

Rodriguez, 24, has impressed both clubs with his displays in the Bundesliga this season having also performed well at last summer’s European Championship.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal are seeking more cover at left-back, and Rodriguez has shown up well in scouting reports this season.

Chelsea signed Marcos Alonso last summer, but they have limited options in that area – especially now Cesar Azpilicueta has switched into a more central role in Conte’s preferred formation.

And Arsene Wenger is also keen to bring in someone new with the future of Kieran Gibbs uncertain as his contract at the Emirates runs out at the end of the season.

The fact Gibbs would need to be moved on before Arsenal could make a formal offer for Rodriguez has handed the initiative to Chelsea in the battle for his signature.

The leaders know they are able to go in with a straight cash offer without having to offload any of their players, and they are now favourites to get their man.

Rodriguez was born in Switzerland but has a Spanish father and Chilean mother – and also has two brothers playing professional football in Switzerland.

@EmaGiulianelli