Arsenal lead race to sign Rodriguez from Real

Cape Town — Arsenal are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, though Liverpool are also said to be in the running.

Rodriguez has been on loan at Bayern Munich since July 2017 though he has struggled for consistency and it appears the Bavarians are unlikely to sign him on a permanent basis.

Bayern have an option to sign him at the end of his two-season loan spell, yet this is unlikely to transpire.

As such, the Gunners are stepping up their interest in landing the Colombia ace on a big-money switch to the Emirates Stadium.

According to Spain’s Don Balon, the player is a major target on the radar of manager Unai Emery.

The Spanish publication has added that Liverpool are also eyeing the 27-year-old goal-scoring attacking midfielder with interest.

Nonetheless, if he were to sign for Arsenal, it seems that the future of Mesut Ozil may be in doubt despite signing a £350 000 a week contract just under 12 months ago.

With Aaron Ramsey set to potentially depart either in January or at the end of 2018/19, the Cucuta-born star could be brought in to fill the void.

However, injury and inconsistent form could see the London-based outfit offload the former Germany star in order to save money on the wage bill.

Don Balon also suggested that Manchester United have an interest in the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner, though it seems a move to Old Trafford will not materialise.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid has signed Brahim Diaz from Manchester City after the 19-year-old winger failed to get enough first-team opportunities at the Premier League champions.

Diaz is the latest highly-rated attacker that City has lost to a major European rival, with Jadon Sancho having joined German team Borussia Dortmund for £8 million in the off-season of 2017. Sancho is now a star for Dortmund and in the England squad.

Madrid announced the arrival of Diaz on Sunday, saying he signed a contract until 2025. No fee was disclosed.

Diaz will have a medical in Madrid on Monday

Diaz made 15 appearances for City after joining from Malaga in 2015.

His only three competitive games this season came in the English League Cup, with City manager Pep Guardiola preferring to use Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva out wide.

—Sport24.