In a shocking report, Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly front-runners in the chase for Bayern Munich superstar James Rodriguez. The Colombian is currently on loan from Real Madrid at the home of the Bundesliga champions but is looking for a move to the English Premier League.
James Rodriguez shot to fame during the 2014 World Cup where he won the Golden Boot for top goal-scorer of the tournament. And Real Madrid snapped him up in the summer for a fee of approximately £63 million from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, making him the fourth most expensive player in the world back then.
Rodriguez became an instant favorite when he arrived at the Spanish capital but under French boss Zinedine Zidane, the Colombian was barely given any opportunities to perform. Zidane favored the likes of Isco, Modric, Asensio and Lucas Vazquez in front of James, which left the 26 year old frustrated. But Madrid decided to give James more playing time as they allowed him to leave on loan this summer to Bavarian club Bayern Munich for one complete season.
The former Porto midfielder is having a sensational season at the Allianz Arena but is still hungry for more football. Although Bayern is looking to make his move permanent during the summer transfer window, there are still uncertainties over James’ future.
If Bayern is not able to tie down James on a permanent deal he will return to the Santiago Bernabeu, a move that James does not want to make. He is insisted that he would not return to Real Madrid if Zinedine Zidane is still in charge of the European champions. James was a part-time starter for Madrid when they won the Champions League twice in a row and the La Liga last term.
But Liverpool and Arsenal are the two Premier League clubs interested in luring the superstar to England. Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp will lock horns in an attempt to secure a deal for the talented attacking midfielder.
The Reds lost key playmaker Philippe Coutinho to La Liga side Barcelona in the January winter transfer window and are still looking to replace the Brazilian international. James could be a like for like replacement for Coutinho, with his passing ability, vision, and technique on the ball. Liverpool will be hoping that James arrives at Merseyside as they can have a quality player who can pick out their fast-paced forwards in attack.
Arsene Wenger too lost Alexis Sanchez in the winter but managed Henrikh Mkhitaryan in exchange for the Chilean. However, James is too good a footballer to be ignored if offered. The French boss could get the best out of Rodriguez at the Emirates as Wenger is one who can craft midfielders. To watch Mesut Ozil and James Rodriguez in the same team would be a privilege for the Gunners’ faithful.
It’s a tough call for where James would be at the end of this season, certainly, a move to the Premier League is on the cards, and the star winger is valued at around £37 million, which is quite a steal for a player his caliber in this market.
