Blow to Arsenal, Chelsea as top target set to stay at Real Madrid
Aug 22, 2016 at 2:12 PM
According to Spanish media outlet AS, Real Madrid star forward James Rodriguez is set to stay at Real Madrid amid speculations of him leaving the club.
The 25-year old is linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus in the recent days due to his situation at Santiago Bernabeu. Chelsea and Arsenal have stepped up their interest in signing the Colombian as his future was not clear under Zidane due to the lack of playing time.
Rodriguez has impressed in his first season at Real Madrid after his €45 million from AS Monaco in 2014 but failed to replicate the performances of the second season which had made new coach Zidane look for other options.
However, the Colombian international is willing to stay at Real Madrid as he is keen to fight for his place under Zidane. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a huge fan of the attacking midfielder but coach Zidane is ready to sell the player as he is keen to sign new recruits for Los Blancos.
Zidane had earlier said that James could be staying at Real Madrid for the season and the midfielder would face a tough fight to break into the first team.
“James is here, I am pleased with the way he played and he is going to stay. I am tired of answering questions about him,” said Zidane.
James Rodriguez would provide Zidane with more options in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo as the midfielder can play in the middle as well as on the wings.