ARSENAL are reportedly desperate to land James Rodriguez from Real Madrid but face a fight with Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners are keen to snap up the Colombian ace after it emerged his Los Blancos career was over.
James Rodriguez could join Arsenal from Real MadridCredit: PA:Press Association
Spanish outlet AS reports Mikel Arteta’s side are the team most interested in rescuing Rodriguez from the Bernabeu.
European big-hitters PSG are also thought to be keen on the 29-year-old as he is offered around by agent Jorge Mendes.
And it was previously reported that Rodriguez was set for a sensational cross-city move to join Real’s rivals Atleti.
Talk of a £13.5million deal to swap Madrid sides began after it became clear he had no future under boss Zinedine Zidane.
Rodriguez returned from a two-year loan spell in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich last summer.
Rodriguez spent two seasons on loan with Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But he has failed to resurrect his Galacticos career – making only eight La Liga appearances in the 2019-20 season as he struggled with form and fitness.
It now appears Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in June will be the last time fans see Rodriguez in the white shirt.
He reportedly asked Zidane not to play against Athletic Bilbao on July 5 and that was the final straw for the French manager.
Rodriguez burst on to the scene in the 2014 World Cup, bagging six goals for Colombia on his way to claiming the Golden Boot.
His displays in Brazil earned a £63m move to Madrid but he has failed to deliver on his promise in the last six years and despite having one year left on his deal, is likely to be moved on.
The former Porto man spoke about his struggles as the traditional No10 role became marginalised in the modern game.
In 2017, he told Bundesliga officials: “I think there are no more classic No10s left in the world.
“Football today is tactical and very physical, with no place for a No10.”
James Rodriguez set for sensational Atletico Madrid transfer from Real Madrid for £13.5m with no future under Zidane
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
