James Rodriguez has endured a frustrating 2015-16 campaign for Real Madrid and the Colombian’s future has been intensively speculated in the media.
After enjoying a phenomenal 2014-15 season, where he scored 17 goals and further assisted in 18, this season he hasn’t found the necessary confidence to reach his best levels.
The Colombian went out of favour of former Madrid manager Rafael Benitez while he hasn’t regained the trust of his current boss Zinedine Zidane either. He is no longer a regular name in the starting lineup and has been dropped to the bench in Madrid’s big games this season.
Rodriguez has a contract till 2020, but he is not happy with his present situation and wants a face to face meeting with Madrid hierarchy after the end of the season to discuss his future.
Florentino Perez seems to have full confidence in the player who joined Real Madrid in 2014 for a reported fee of €80m and has made it clear that under no circumstances the Colombian will be sold.
His unpleasant situation at Madrid has sparked an interest among major European clubs and some of them are preparing to make a formal move for him in the summer as well.
According to reports from Spanish publication AS, a host of Premier League clubs including the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are willing to make a formal bid for him this summer.
James is represented by Jorge Mendes, who holds a strong working relationship with Manchester United and has been involved in some big money transfers for the Red Devils over the years. However, a lot will depend on who becomes the next United manager, as Rodriguez will be more tempted to move to Old Trafford, should Jose Mourinho takes charge of the club.
Chelsea are also reportedly showing a keen interest in the player, and could contact his agent in coming weeks to discuss on any potential move. There could be an option of involving Eden Hazard as a part of the deal for Rodriguez, although the Blues are not likely to entertain such proposals.
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