Arsenal Transfer News: James Rodriguez, Adrien Rabiot, James McArthur Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Real Madrid's James Rodriguez, as the star is believed to be unhappy at the Bernabeu under manager Rafa Benitez.

That's according to Ignacio Lujan of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Metro's Mark Brus), who noted that the Colombian "could be open to quitting the club, though it seems he will not attempt to force a move."

The 24-year-old is one of the world's most revered midfielders after coming to the fore at the World Cup in 2014, as noted by Squawka Football:

Rodriguez has featured for just 590 minutes this season due to injury but has nevertheless accrued three goals and three assists in that time. The playmaker picked up 17 and 18 respectively in all competitions last year, and as those numbers suggest, he is a key component in Real's attacking play.

Arsenal are fairly well-stocked in creative attacking midfielders, but like any team that could afford him, they would be remiss not to pursue such a world-class talent if available.

However, football journalist Dermot Corrigan believes that talent is not recognised by Benitez, ergo Rodriguez's unhappiness:

The pressure is firmly mounting on the Spaniard with Real struggling to impress in La Liga, and he is undoubtedly far more expendable than Rodriguez.

If any top Real player gets so unhappy with his management that he wants to leave the club, it's far more likely the coach will be replaced rather than the player sold, so the Gunners and any other hopeful clubs will be out of luck.

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On a more encouraging note, Arsenal might face less competition for Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot than previously expected, as contrary to earlier reports, Napoli have not begun a pursuit of the 20-year-old.

The Daily Star's Alex Harris noted that the Gunners have been linked with a January loan deal for the youngster to ease their injury crisis in central midfield. His agent, Arnaud Pericard, said, "Rabiot to Napoli? Maybe on holiday. ... Nobody has contacted me from the Italian club."

The Frenchman is a highly promising talent and competent all-rounder in midfield, capable of winning possession as well as supporting or creating attacking moves.

Rabiot is usually the first backup to Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta and so tends not to get much game time, but he has enjoyed more time than normal with Verratti injured. Nevertheless, according to football writer Matt Spiro, the youngster is hopeful for a move away:

Pericard isn't so sure, however. Via Harris, he added, "It is true that Rabiot has asked to leave on loan, but at the moment he is playing consistently. He was a starter against Shakhtar and against Lyon; things could therefore change and he could finally decide to stay at PSG."

Rabiot would certainly be a useful addition, particularly given Arsenal's injury troubles, so the Gunners will be hoping he doesn't change his mind.

One player aiming to stay put is Crystal Palace's James McArthur. According to Liam Spence of the Express, he dismissed rumours linking him to Arsenal. Manager Alan Pardew said, "James McArthur has been outstanding since I've come to Palace. I always admired him at Wigan Athletic, and it's not a surprise to me he's been linked to a top club."

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According to Spence, the midfielder was quoted in the Croydon Advertiser as responding, "It's nice of the manager to say, but I'm not going to listen to the rumours. I am just going to go about my job at Crystal Palace, because I am really enjoying my football."

The 28-year-old—generally a defensive-minded player—has scored and assisted twice apiece in the Premier League this season, but as a replacement for Francis Coquelin, he'd be falling some way short.

According to Squawka, the Scot has made fewer tackles and interceptions per game than Coquelin this season and has a lower pass-completion rate. Thus, not only is he not a typical Arsenal signing, but he's not shining as a holding player, either.

McArthur has been a useful performer for the Eagles this season, but he's not a player to make the step up to Arsenal and is not likely to be targeted by the Gunners, either.