THREE EPL CLUBS IN RACE TO SIGN MADRID MIDFIELDER

 

Colombia international James Rodriguez is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. Three premier league clubs have emerged as the front runner for the player’s signature. Arsenal, Everton and most recently Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with the player in the past. But since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, the club has cooled off their interest in the player. The withdrawal of Spurs will make it a three-horse race for the player.

James spent the last two easy on loan in Germany with Bayern Munich. The Bavarian did not sign the player on a permanent deal as he returned to Madrid last summer. James had offers from top clubs around Europe last summer, but he chose to stay and fight for his place in Zinedine Zidane’s squad. He has failed to make any positive impression all season. He is behind Federico Velverde and Luka Modric in the pecking order. Going further the arrival of Eden Hazard from Chelsea last summer has also limited the opportunities for James.

He has suffered from injuries, while his on-field performance has been below required standard.

James seemingly hasn’t done anywhere near enough to convince Zidane to keep hold of him, and ​recent reports claim that everyone at Real Madrid has given up on the 28-year-old. The fact that he has just one year remaining on his contract has forced them to accelerate a potential departure from the club.

​Marca also reports that it does look like James will be heading for the exit door. But the coronavirus pandemic could impact a potential transfer. The postponement of fixtures is having major financial implications on clubs and, as a result, Marca state that the midfielder is destined for a move to the ​Premier League. Other clubs in other countries do not have the funds to make a deal happen.