Arsenal have joined Manchester United and Chelsea in showing an interest in signing Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez.
The Colombia international is reportedly unsettled at Real Madrid, with his relationship with Rafa Benitez not the best. That has led to suggestions Rodriguez could look for pastures anew – be that in the January transfer window or next summer -- with the English Premier League looking like the most likely destination.
With the new TV deal coming into play from next season, most Premier League sides have bags of cash to spend, with the bigger clubs, in particular, having the extra advantage.
Manchester United are on the lookout for a superstar player who could take them up a level, and Ed Woodward has been keeping tabs on Rodriguez, especially if the club fail in their bids to bring in the likes of Neymar, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chelsea are also keen to add a bit of extra attacking quality to their lineup, with Rodriguez linked with a swap deal involving Eden Hazard moving the other way. Now, Arsenal have joined the we-want-James-bandwagon, with Arsene Wenger's men willing to go toe to toe with their Premier League rivals for Rodriguez, according to Don Balon.
The report also states Wenger sees Rodriguez as a possible replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
However, it is difficult to see Arsenal sanctioning a move for Sanchez, especially with the amount of cash that is going to come to Premier League clubs from next season.
What is also debatable is Arsenal's need for a player of James Rodriguez's ilk. A playmaker, who can play out wide or in the No.10 role is not what Arsenal exactly need at the moment. Their strength in depth in that department is obvious with Joel Campbell, a sixth or seventh choice in the position, showing outstanding form, grabbing his chance owing to an injury crisis.
Having said that, however, Rodriguez is a player capable of winning the Ballon d'Or, such is his talent and at 24, he can only get better. Wenger also has the penchant for stocking up on gifted playmakers, and Rodriguez certainly fits that bill.
If it comes to a bidding war between the three Premier League clubs, though, Wenger will most likely pull out, because Arsenal's strengthening needs are definitely elsewhere.
