‘He’s a starter in any team’: Dazzling £71m attacker urged to join Arsenal

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Faustino Asprilla has named Arsenal as one of the ideal clubs for James Rodriguez to join this summer instead of Wolves, as reported by RCN.

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, is back with Real Madrid this season following a lengthy loan stint at Bayern Munich but is out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, having made just 13 appearances this term.

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

Rodriguez initially impressed 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.

According to El Desmarque, Wolves are hoping to make use of their strong relationship with Jorge Mendes, whose Gestifute agency represents Rodriguez, to pull off the coup in the summer.

Rodriguez – whose contract expires in 2021 – is reportedly valued at £71million by Real but the Molineux side is hoping Mendes can act as a mediator to lower the asking price.

However, Colombia legend Asprilla thinks Rodriguez should opt for a more high-profile club, such as Arsenal, or indeed Chelsea or the two Manchester sides.

“James does not have to go to suffer at Wolverhampton, a team that always fights after relegation,” Asprilla told RCN.

“James has football to be on teams like Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal. James does not need to play for Real Madrid to dazzle us here with his football. For me he is a starter in any team.”

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While it is understandable for Asprilla to want his illustrious compatriot to join one of England’s more established big sides, Wolves have changed somewhat over the past few years – they may have been relegation battlers some years ago but that’s definitely not the case now.

Nonetheless, Arsenal could certainly do with a marquee signing like Rodriguez, who may not have had the best time over the past few years but is undoubtedly a player with great pedigree who can conjure up magic at the drop of a hat.