Bayern Munich Playmaker James Rodriguez Turns Down January Move to Arsenal and Napoli

Bayern midfielder James Rodriguez has reportedly turned down the opportunity to join either Arsenal or Napoli on a short-term deal this January.

The Colombia international has just six months remaining on his two-year loan from Real Madrid, but has struggled for game time this season since Niko Kovac took over as Bayern manager last summer.

James Rodriquez

James' situation has led to growing speculation that he could be on his way out of the Allianz Arena to join either ​Arsenal or Napoli, but ​ESPN now reports that the 27-year-old will stay at ​Bayern for the remainder of his loan deal.

The report adds that there is still a possibility ​James could extend his stay with the Bavarian giants after his loan ends, with the agreement with Real Madrid in 2017 including an option for the ​Bundesliga giants to make the deal permanent for a reported €42m.

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Colombian during their time together at Madrid and Bayern respectively, with the playmaker starring in the 2014/15 campaign in particular with 13 goals and 13 assists in 29 La Liga games.

After enjoying a breakthrough in European football at Portuguese side Porto, James signed for AS Monaco in 2013, and ended the season with a starring role in Colombia's run to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

James Rodriguez

Having won the Golden Boot at the tournament with six goals, James earned a move to ​Real Madrid but struggled to earn consistent first-team opportunities with the Champions League holders.


Source : 90min