Colombia international James Rodriguez emerged as a shock target for Arsenal as they look to strengthen their squad this winter claims the Daily Mirror.
The 27-year-old is in the final season of a two-year loan deal at Bayern Munich. The Bavarians paid an £11m fee to Real Madrid with a view to making the move permanent this summer. As of yet, Bayern has not exercised or given any indication that they intend to exercise the £39.5m option in the contract.
However, with Bayern in some turmoil this season and in need of rebuilding their squad, James is keen to end the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Arsenal, unable to make permanent deals due to FFP constraints, are willing to pay £3m to loan the Colombian for the remainder of the season ahead of a permanent deal next summer.
The Gunners are, however, still treating Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez, 24, as their primary target. A deal is hampered by Arsenal’s situation whilst the Spaniards only want to sell Suarez this winter. Their hand could be forced by the Premier League club is the only deal on offer at present.
Meanwhile, a move for Yannick Carrasco is in danger of collapsing with the 27-year-old Belgian’s wage demands of €180,000-per-week proving an insurmountable obstacle.
