Arsenal set to fight Everton to bring in Real Madrid midfielder on loan

Arsenal are set to compete with Everton in the tug of war involving the signing of James Rodriguez, if reports in England are to be believed. 

It is thought the Colombian star would cost around £34 million on a permanent deal but a loan deal seems very much realistic and likely. 

Everton have been strongly linked with the Colombian playmaker since Carlo Ancelotti took charge at Goodison Park but a deal is yet to materialize. 

Ancelotti has managed Rodriguez at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The Italian is believed to be keen on a reunion once again. 

He also wanted him at Napoli in the summer but the Napoli board could not agree a deal with the Los Blancos for the out of favour number ten. 

However, the Toffees could regret the delay as Arsenal have also registered their interest in the Real Madrid attacking midfielder. 

As per reports in Spain, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is very much interested in the Colombian superstar. The Portuguese is keen to add him to his squad in the remaining few days of the winter transfer window. 

Since his return to the Bernabeu from his loan spell in Germany with Bayern, the 28-year-old has not been able to nail down a place for himself in Zinedine Zidane's squad. 

He featured nine times before getting injured at the end of October. The Colombian skipper made his comeback against Valencia on January 8th. 

But with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Federico Valverde ahead of him, he has definitely gone down in the pecking order. Now, with Isco also managing to revive his form, it seems that Rodriguez has once again become a peripheral figure at the club. 

The Colombian still has 18 months left to run on his contract with the Spanish capital club but it is thought his employers are open to letting him leave. However, Rodriguez reportedly snubbed a move away last year. 

Arsenal are in good terms with Real Madrid and believe that could help them to bring the 28-year-old to the Emirates. 

The Gunners already have a player on loan from the Spanish giants in Dani Ceballos who has been impressive for them before his injury. 

Mesut Ozil is back in the mix but Arsenal do not have too many other options as a No.10. So James could certainly add some much-needed quality and experience. 

However, the lure of working alongside Ancelotti again could help swing any deal Everton's way. The Merseyside club would definitely look to reap the rewards of handing the Italian a bumper £11.5m-a-year deal.

Featured image credits- Bleacher Report