According to a recent report in the Daily Star, Arsenal, as well as Premier League champions Chelsea, are set to be offered the opportunity to sign Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez this summer.

The Colombian playmaker, 25, is reportedly ready to leave the Bernabeú in search of regular first-team football elsewhere at one of Europe’s top sides.

Manchester United were seen as frontrunners for his signature, but José Mourinho is said to be ‘furious’ with Real’s valuation of David de Gea, as they were preparing to negotiate a swap deal for the pair to switch clubs this summer.

As a result, their interest has apparently cooled for the meantime. Adidas are willing to pay 20% of his weekly wages, the Mirror revealed. Manchester City have also been linked following Pep Guardiola’s recent comments, though it is believed that he prefers a move to the capital.

Valued in the region of £40-50m, he could be a significant addition for both sides.

If the two clubs were interested, it’s more likely that he’d join Chelsea though.

Not only has Antonio Conte’s side just won the title this season, but they’ll be back among Europe’s elite again next year whilst Arsenal’s future is still unknown.

Cesc Fábregas is one of a few players that prefers to play in the number ten role and with more games next term, James would be guaranteed regular minutes there.

Versatile and able to play on the wing, as well as a deeper holding midfield role when required, he’s a suitable player who could fit into Conte’s system if given the chance to impress.