Arsenal reportedly want James Rodriguez, but do Tottenham need him more?

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid star James Rodriguez in the January transfer window though there is a difference between valuations. However, should Tottenham be looking to rival the Gunners for the Colombian?

Rodriguez, 28, is in a similar position to Gareth Bale at Real Madrid in that he is on the fringes of Zinedine Zidane’s squad – and the club want him to leave. He has only been afforded seven La Liga appearances this season.

Spanish outlet El Desmarque claim Arsenal are willing to splash £36million on the former Monaco and Porto star, who returned to Real in the summer following a two-year loan spell with Bayern Munich – where he won two Bundesliga titles.

However, the report claims Florentino Perez wants as miuch as £42.5million for Rodriguez and that is where Tottenham need to steal in. Spurs need an attacking midfielder and it has seen them linked with Bruno Fernandes and Nicolo Zaniolo.

That is because Christian Eriksen is set to leave the club either in January or at the end of the season, unless Jose Mourinho chooses to and can convince him otherwise. The most likely scenario is that Arsenal will need a replacement.

James is perfect. He embodies everything that made Spurs fans fall in love with Eriksen – long-range shooting, stunning set-piece ability, vision, flair footballing intelligence. An eye for goal is also a part of Rodriguez’s game.

For just £42.5million, Tottenham need to elbow north London rivals Arsenal aside and look to sign Rodriguez ahead of The Gunners. The only issue is likely to be wages, but James is expected to take a pay cut.