David Ospina Trying To Convince Compatriot James Rodriguez To Join Him At Arsenal

James Rodriguez is the latest big name on the market, with several sources linking the player with a move away from Real Madrid this summer, 90min reports.

Chelsea and Arsenal are thought to be the front runners in the race, but according to AS, Gunners goalkeeper David Ospina is trying to get Rodriguez to join him at Arsenal.

Ospina and Rodriguez are teammates in the Colombia national side, and are thought to have a close relationship.

Ospina joined Arsenal after the 2014 World Cup, having caught the eye of Arsene Wenger during the tournament. Rodriguez, also had an impressive showing on the big stage, capturing the Golden Boot award, as well as the Goal of the Tournament.

He would make a move as well, leaving Monaco for Madrid for a whopping €80m, but things haven’t been as bright at the Bernabeu, and it is expected that he will leave the Spanish giants before the close of the transfer window.

With Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ahead of him in the pecking order at Madrid, Rodriguez is unsure of cementing a place in Zinedine Zidane’s starting 11. He also has to compete with the likes of Isco, Mateo Kovacic and Casemiro on the sidelines.

Rodriguez does want to remain at Madrid and fight for a place, however, outlets in Spain have reported that Los Blancos are willing to let him leave for the right price, and have alerted Chelsea and Arsenal – through agent Jorge Mendes.

With only eight days left in the transfer window, it remains to be seen how convincing Ospina can be.