Arsenal want to bring Colombian star James Rodriguez to the Emirates in the summer.
The Real Madrid midfielder is nearing the end of his two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich, and has decided against extending his stay at Allianz Arena.
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all interested in signing the Real Madrid star, but the likes of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have also kept close tabs on the 27-year-old.
Rodriguez left Santiago Bernabeu back in 2017, when Zinedine Zidane was in charge, is unlikely to play a part at Real Madrid next season.
Rodriguez would be a good addition but can Arsenal afford him?
Rodriguez is a versatile playmaker who features as an attacking midfielder, but can play on either wing and take up multiple positions in the midfield. He can play both as a facilitator and a creator in the centre of the park which speaks volumes about the Colombian’s quality.
With Aaron Ramsey’s impending departure, a void is likely to be created in the Gunners midfield which needs to be addressed in the summer.
Mesut Ozil has been out of sorts for the majority of the season, and Arsenal will need reinforcements in order to challenge for the top four next season. Rodriguez might be the perfect replacement.
With the likes of Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, and Matteo Guendouzi available to play in central midfield, Rodriguez will have the freedom to move into the pocket of spaces in the final third or create chances for the forwards.
The 27-year-old’s off the ball movement and change in pace make him difficult to mark, and his vision is something that had many people raving when he burst on to the scene.
James’ attacking instinct, ability to create scoring chances out of nothing, the weight of pass, and his game awareness remain unparalleled.
Seeing a pass is one thing, the ability to execute it is a totally different ballgame. When a player can do both you know he is special. The Colombian’s ability to thread a pass can open up the game against a low block.
Rodriguez’s aerial prowess and his tackling ability are the only downsides to his game which will take some improving.
Unai Emery, who has faced problems deploying Ozil owing to his lack of work rate, must make the move for the Rodriguez.
However, it remains to be seen if the Gunners can afford an exorbitant fee for Rodriguez. If they can strike a loan deal for the player, that would be a shrewd deal even if it will help them only in the short term.