Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder James Rodriguez will reportedly be allowed to leave the club this summer transfer window, according to various news outlets in Spain.
The 25-year old Colombian international has been linked with a surprise move to the Premier League this summer after falling down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Colombian has fallen out of favor with the Spanish club and has been linked with a £50-52 million move to the Emirates Stadium.
And Spanish radio station Cadena Ser claim Madrid will let him leave the club if they receive a good offer for him in the remaining eight days of the window. Rodriguez scored 17 goals in 46 games during all competitions in his debut campaign for Madrid in the 2014-15 season, but he tallied just eight goals in 32 games last season.
Another leading Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims that Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in the player who is valued at around £60 million by Madrid.
The newspaper also reports that the Gunners lead the chase for Rodriguez’s signature because the Stamford Bridge side fears that winger Eden Hazard would become involved in any negotiations with the Los Blancos in return.
For what it’s worth, the 25-year-old Colombian’s brother-in-law is Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. The 27-year old Arsenal goalkeeper has spoken to Rodriguez to try and persuade him to join the Gunners, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net.
While Wenger is clearly a fan of James as a player, it does seem unlikely that he will make a move for the Colombian. Arsenal has Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, and Santi Cazorla who can all play the attacking midfield position.
Wenger does seem aware of the pressing need for cover at the center back position and a new starting striker and a move for the James would completely go against that.
Hence it would be wise enough for us to wait till the move materializes even further in the coming days before we can come to a conclusion.
