According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are plotting a loan move for Real Madrid star James Rodriguez. The Colombian international is currently on loan at Bayern Munich till the end of the campaign but has struggled to get regular game-time under Niko Kovac this season.
As a result, the Gunners are keen to secure his services from Bayern until the end of the campaign. According to the report, this move will cost them around £3 million. But will it be a smart decision by Unai Emery?
James Rodriguez: an ideal short-term replacement for out of favour Ozil
Despite his struggles under Kovac this season, Rodriguez has enjoyed moderate success during his time in the Bundesliga, scoring ten goals in 31 matches while providing 12 assists.
He has featured as an attacking midfielder for FC Bayern, where his technical prowess has helped him combine well with dynamic wingers like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as well as star forward Robert Lewandowski, whose brilliant intuition complemented James’ excellent chance creation in the final third.
Indeed, the Colombian international amassed almost three key passes per game during his debut campaign in the Bundesliga while his tally of 2.3 key passes per game is still better than Arsenal’s revered playmaker Mesut Ozil this season.
James is someone who is always on the lookout for that elusive through-pass to break the shackles of the opposition defence, which could serve Arsenal really well, especially with players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette lurking in the final third.
In addition, the Real Madrid star can also combine well with teammates by using quick passes and clever one-twos that tunes in well with the Gunners’ fast-paced approach in the attacking third, thus making him a tailor-made fit for the north London giants.
As for Ozil, the former German international has had an underwhelming campaign so far, making only 13 league appearances, during which he has been involved in four goals. It seems he is out of his manager’s gameplan right now and reports even suggest a possibility of an exit in January itself.
Although the former German international is known for his excellent vision in the final third, James is certainly better suited to Emery’s attacking philosophy thanks to his mobility and urgency that could certainly revamp the Arsenal attack.
Furthermore, the 27-year-old is far more comfortable playing as a winger, as opposed to Ozil, which could be priceless given how Arsenal have struggled to find a reliable wide player following the departure of Alexis Sanchez last year.
Even though Rodriguez would only appear as a short term solution for Emery’s problems in the attacking department, it’s a solution Arsenal should definitely explore as they look to push for a Champions League spot during the remainder of the campaign having suffered a dip in form of late.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
