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What's the story?
According to the trusted outlet, Mirror, Colombian playmaker, James Rodriguez is available in the January transfer window. The 27-year-old is currently one-and-a-half year into his two-year loan at Bayern Munich. However, he's out of Niko Kovac's plans.
The Bavarians paid Real Madrid, a sum in the region of €12 million to secure the services of the Colombian as part of a loan deal. However, they're willing to let him leave now.
English outlet Daily Mail reported that Arsenal are considering taking over the loan-deal from the Bavarians for the remainder of the season, for a fee of €3 million.
In case you didn't know..
Following his heroics in World Cup 2014, the Colombian attracted the Los Blancos, who then splashed €75 million to secure the services of the WC Golden Boot winner. Rodriguez was involved in 76 goals in the 111 appearances made for the La Liga giants. However, even after proving himself time after time, the Colombian failed to secular a regular place in Real Madrid's line-up. Frustrated with the lack of playing time, the 27-year-old moved to Bayern Munich, where he impressed until Kovac took charge.
Bayern Munich inserted a buy-back clause in the deal, which allows them to buy Rodriguez for €39 million at the end of the loan spell. However, with Kovac in charge of the Allianz Arena, this scenario is highly unlikely and James' future at the end of the season is uncertain.
The heart of the matter
With Unai Emery's squad competing for the top-four spot in the Premier League, Rodriguez would be an amazing inclusion to their side. Along with his playmaking abilities, the midfielder could also provide a threat with his goalscoring skills.
With Mesut Özil reported to be parting ways with the penniless North Londoners in January to free up transfer funds, Rodriguez would be the best and most suitable replacement for the German midfielder.
Last week, Unai Emery made it clear that Arsenal does not have the required funds to make a signing in this transfer window. However, they should be able to secure the services of James Rodriguez at such a bargain price.
Rumor rating: 7/10
This transfer looks more than sensible, favoring all the parties involved here. Arsenal must be willing to bring the Colombian to Emirates for the remainder of the season.
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What's next?
It remains to be seen how the Arsenal hierarchy deals with their current money issues and which of the rumored transfers takes place in January — Denis Suarez or James Rodriguez. With the Catalans hoping for a permanent deal, Rodriguez remains to be a more suitable option for the Gunners.
