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ARSENAL transfer target James Rodriguez has received a Spanish passport, meaning he could free up a spot reserved for non-EU players at Real Madrid.
But Los Blancos coach Zinedine Zidane reportedly does not see the midfielder, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, in his plans as he carries out a squad overhaul at the Bernabeu.
Reuters
Rodriguez, 27, joined Bayern in 2017 after falling down the pecking order under Zidane.
The Germans have an option to make the move permanent for £39.5m, but are unlikely to keep the Colombian beyond this summer when his deal expires.
The midfielder hoped that getting a European passport would increase his chances of returning to Madrid and regaining his place in the team.
La Liga sides have to meet a foreign players’ quota and are allowed to register only three non-Europeans.
Having earned Spanish citizenship, Rodriguez wouldn’t therefore occupy one of these spots which could be used to accommodate other South American stars such as Casemiro or Vinicius Jr.
But according to Marca, Zidane – entrusted with carrying out a squad overhaul at the Bernabeu this summer – has not changed his stance on the Colombian’s future.
Real Madrid are set to sign Chelsea’s star Eden Hazard this summer to boost their attacking options, seemingly proving the French coach has given up on Rodriguez.
Juventus have been previously linked with a move for the midfielder.
And Arsenal were understood to have considered loaning Rodriguez in January as Unai Emery was looking for Mesut Ozil’s replacement.
However, the German player and the Gunners coach seem to have buried the hatchet as the midfield maestro has featured in Arsenal’s last nine games.
Rodriguez has played in 25 matches for Bayern this season, scoring seven goals and adding six assists.
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