Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez, according to Spanish media (via the Telegraph). Spanish publication Marca even reported recently that an unnamed club had launched a £71milion bid for the Colombian attacking midfielder.

Zinedine Zidane has been told by the Estadio Bernabeu head honchos that he has to offload a few players before making new additions to the roster. Apparently, he is ready to part ways with Rodriguez to fund the transfer of David Alaba.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stated that the Gunners would definitely bring in a defender and an attacking player before the transfer window slams shut. Although Rodriguez is not a natural striker, he has proven to be adept at playing as a right-winger; remarkably, he is more prolific cutting inside from the right than when he plays in the hole.

With Joel Campbell, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Theo Walcott all proving to be tactically unfit to start games for Arsenal, bringing down Rodriguez would make sense. A forward trio of Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, and Rodriguez will definitely be an intimidating force.

Arsenal only recently tried signing another right-winger in Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez, and their reported interest in a similar player in Rodriguez seems believable, accordingly.

The London club have seemingly pulled out of a deal for Alexandre Lacazette because of his price tag. However, Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi is still on their radar, but Arsenal will need to fend off interests from local rivals Chelsea for his signature.