Arsenal target James Rodriguez prefers Manchester United move if Real Madrid sanction sale

Manchester United have been encouraged in their ongoing pursuit of Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez. The Red Devils have maintained their interest in the Colombian international as they are planning for a move for him in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old missed the start of the season due to muscle injury, which saw him spend two months on the sidelines. Following the sacking of Rafael Benitez, the 10-time European champions appointed Zinedine Zidane as their manager, under whom he has struggled.

According to ESPN FC, a tactical shift to 4-3-3 under the Frenchman has seen Rodriguez struggle to make his way into the starting line-up. This has seen his first-team appearances limited as he started in 17 La Liga matches in the 2015/16 season.

Lack of playing time at the Spanish capital club has seen him being linked with a move away from his current employers. The former Porto and AS Monaco man is attracting interest from United and Real are willing to sanction his sale.

If the La Liga giants decide to offload him, Rodriguez has set his sights on making a switch to Old Trafford. Spanish publication AS earlier suggested the South American forward is unhappy with his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The same report also claims that United are not the only club interested in his signature. Their league rivals rivals Arsenal and local rivals Manchester City are also in the race to land him in the summer.

However, Rodriguez has decided that he will join United if Real allow him to leave. This could be a blow for both Arsenal and City as they were looking to add the Colombian to their squad for the next campaign.

Meanwhile, the player's wife Daniela Ospina remains hopeful that Rodriguez will continue in Madrid beyond the summer transfer window.

"I don't want that and I don't even think about it. We are perfectly fine here. Madrid is a charming city. I am very comfortable here,sharing the same language helps, and the food is great," she told Hola magazine, as quoted by AS.