Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez has had a tough few seasons at Real Madrid, but his nightmare at the La Liga champions could end soon. In a recent interview with Daniel Habif, James Rodriguez opened up on the possibility of moving to England and the Premier League ahead of the 2020-21 season. The Colombian said that he has played in many leagues and that the Italian Serie A and English Premier League are two potential destinations for him in the future.
Rodriguez, who was signed by Madrid in 2014 on the back of a phenomenal World Cup, has played just 125 times for the Spanish giants in six years, two of which he spent on loan at Bayern Munich.
With his contract set to expire next season, he may leave on a permanent deal in the summer. One Premier League side that could benefit from signing James Rodriguez is Arsenal.
Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Arsenal should sign James Rodriguez
Vision, creativity and experience
At the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez took the football world by storm with his superb passing and vision, as well as speed and dribbling. The 29-year-old may not have hit those heights since then, but he is a player that still has some remarkable traits that he could bring to the Arsenal midfield. Rodriguez has rarely played in his natural central attacking midfield position and has been misused out wide, rendering his key strengths ineffective.
With the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack – all pacey players – Rodriguez will have opportunities to use his exceptional passing from the central area. He will also add depth to the Arsenal squad, which lacks attacking midfielders, while his experience will also come in handy in tough games.
Potentially inexpensive
Arsenal will have to spend wisely in this transfer window as they do not have the buying power of Manchester City, Manchester United, or Chelsea, currently. The Gunners will need to choose their targets well, and bring in quality players who are available for a cheap fee. Rodriguez may not cost a lot considering he is in the final year of his contract, and a recent report indicated that he would be available for as little as €8.5 million.
That would be an absolute steal considering the quality that he possesses.
Mesut Ozil replacement
Something which might hinder or cause worry for the Gunners in any potential deal would be his big wages. With captain Aubameyang reportedly closing in on a new bumper contract, and Mesut Ozil earning eye-watering wages, Arsenal may not be able to afford or risk big wages again. But, if Arsenal can somehow move Ozil out of the club, who is clearly not in the plans of manager Mikel Arteta, it could be a good deal to bring in Rodriguez as a like-for-like replacement for Ozil.
James Rodriguez is two years younger to Ozil and has been in better form over the last two years than Ozil and will also be eager to prove his naysayers wrong by starting afresh. Something which could suit the former German international elsewhere, as well.
