Arsenal are ready to use David Ospina's influence to tempt James Rodriguez to the Emirates and with it snub a move to Chelsea. Rodriguez is thought to be available this summer, with Real Madrid looking to sell the Colombia international, who hasn't quite hit the right notes at the Bernabeu since his move from Monaco.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal are in the transfer market for a forward, and while Rodriguez might not be their first option, especially in terms of position, he is a player who will strengthen any side. The problem, though, lies in the value, with Real Madrid expecting €70 million (£60m) for the 25-year-old.
The fact that Rodriguez and his obvious flaws have been found out since his move to Real Madrid should bring the player's value down, but with the Spanish club holding out for £60m, it remains to be seen if either of the Premier League clubs will make a move.
Some reports suggest that Chelsea have already put in a bid worth £60m for Rodriguez, with Spanish football expert Guillem Balague a little sceptical regarding that particular news.
"Real Madrid will be happy to let James go this summer," Balague told Sky Sports. "It's been reported Chelsea are willing to pay €70m for the Colombia international. We will see if they are willing to pay that sort of money, but it sounds to me that Real are leaking this story to attract interest in the player.
"He's not worth that money and I'm pretty sure Chelsea know that."
Arsenal will also know that, so unless the price comes down drastically, it is unlikely that Arsene Wenger will make a move. If a fee can be agreed, though, Arsenal do have the upper hand when it comes to negotiations with the player. Rodriguez is married to Arsenal goalkeeper Ospina's sister, giving the club an inside track in a possible deal.
If that will make a difference or no, remains to be seen, but Arsenal certainly don't look likely to pay £60m for a player, who is not a centre-forward, which is the position that the Premier League side need to fill.
