Forward reportedly wanted by Arsenal deemed ‘world-class’ by World Cup winner

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A player who has recently emerged as a reported transfer target for Arsenal has previously been described as “world class” who has become “more mature” and who has “learned along the way”.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Gunners are eager to sign Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez at the end of the season.

The Gunners could be set to bolster their ranks this summer given what a difficult season it has been for them, with Mikel Arteta steadying the ship after replacing Unai Emery at the Emirates Stadium.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, returned to Real Madrid last summer after his lengthy loan stint at Bayern Munich but has fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, having made just 13 appearances this term.

The 28-year-old burst onto the scene after impressing with Colombia at the 2014 World Cup and winning the Golden Boot, prompting Real to sign him from Monaco for a reported £63million (The Telegraph).

Rodriguez began brightly for Los Blancos, with 13 goals and 13 assists in La Liga in his first season, but he wasn’t able to hit those same heights going forward amid injuries and loss of form.

As a result, Rodriguez  could be set to leave the Bernabeu, and according to Marca, “Arsenal remain significantly interested, and they have the biggest chance to sign him”.

Speaking last September, former Real Madrid manager and 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Valdano told radio station Onda Cero, as quoted by Sky Sports: “James is a world-class player and if he is able to commit himself like he has, we have a player who is going to give another leap in quality to the squad.

“He is more mature and has learned along the way. I am convinced that he will be able to take advantage of this second chance and he will perform at his level.”

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Rodriguez is undoubtedly a talented player, once considered to be amongst the best young players in the world, and on his day he is unplayable.

Admittedly he may haven’t had the best time at Real, while Bayern opted not to make his loan deal permanent, and he’s had his fair share of injury issues over the past few years.

However, Arsenal still ought to take a chance on him – he would be a high-quality marquee signing which would create a huge buzz around the Emirates Stadium.

Rodriguez is a versatile midfielder and attacker who thrives in the number 10 and number 9 position alike, boasts pace, technical skills and great vision, can play with both feet, and gets plenty of goals and assists.

Value-wise, Marca says he “won’t command the kind of fee Los Blancos want” due to the financial impact of the current global health crisis.