Arsenal have made official contact with Real Madrid over the possibility of signing James Rodriguez on loan this month, according to reports.
The Colombian star is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, where he has three goals and two assists in 12 appearances this season.
He is set to return to Real at the end of the season and it is claimed the Spanish giants are keen to offload him.
Step in Arsenal.
According to the Independent, the Gunners are keen on signing Rodriguez in the summer transfer window, but have made enquiries to sign him now in an initial loan deal.
That would see him cut his spell at Bayern short to spend the remainder of the Premier League campaign at the Emirates Stadium, before signing a permanent deal in the summer.
However, Arsenal are not the only club interested, with Napoli said to be keen.
Plus, it is claimed Real would prefer the Colombian ace move to north London rivals Tottenham – as a makeweight in their desired move for playmaker Christian Eriksen.
Arsenal are tight on funds in January and are currently looking to only bring players in on loan, with Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez also said to be on their wanted list.