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James Rodriguez to Arsenal: Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein delivers transfer update
RAPHAEL HONIGSTEIN has delivered the truth behind the rumours linking James Rodriguez to Arsenal.
James Rodriguez scores his first Bundesliga goal for Bayern
The Colombian is entering the final six months on his two-year loan deal with Bayern Munich.
It seems increasingly unlikely that the Bavarians will stump up the cash for Rodriguez and exercise their option to buy.
There has been speculation that Arsenal are preparing a move for the attacking midfielder.
Unai Emery can only sign players on loan this month with limited funds at his disposal.
The Daily Mail claimed that the Gunners were hatching a plan to sign the 27-year-old.
Speaking on Gooner Talk TV, German football expert Honigstein revealed there was no substance to the reports.
“I don’t quite know where the story comes from,” he said.
“James Rodriguez is on a two-year loan at Bayern at the moment, he’s approaching the last six months of that loan.
“Bayern have paid €10-12million for those years and they have an option to make the move permanent by paying €42m.
Arsenal: Fan admits he’s ‘not sure’ about James Rodriguez
“I don’t see what Bayern would gain now from breaking the loan short and giving him to Arsenal for half a year, I don’t even know how you would structure that.
“If the player says he doesn’t want to stay here, then he goes back to Real Madrid and they can decide what they want to do.
“He would now somehow be released three quarters into a two-year loan just when Bayern don’t have Thomas Muller for the next two Champions League games.
“It’s just a crazy story, I just don’t even understand who even had the imagination to come up with it.”
His boss Niko Kovac has this week urged the playmaker to kick on and play for his future.
James was a 73rd minute substitute in Bayern's 3-1 win at Hoffenheim on Friday night.
"The competition is very big, but anyone can earn [their place]," he told press.
"All the players signing a contract here know that you can be out of the team.
"James is playing for his future. I expect him to keep pushing. I see that he is motivated and focused, he wants to play more than in the past.
"As a coach, I can only rate what I see on the pitch, which is the standard for him, but also for everyone else. Nothing else matters."