Real Madrid Transfer News: Top Rumours on Christmas Day

Mesut Ozil has declared his 2013 transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal was the "correct decision," while reports have claimed Manchester United and Chelsea are lining up to make a move for James Rodriguez.

Many were surprised to see Ozil swap the Bernabeu for the Emirates Stadium two-and-a-half years ago, but he told German newspaper Kicker it was the right move (h/t Spanish newspaper Sport):

“I can only say that I am really happy in London. My decision to leave Real Madrid for Arsenal was the correct one. There’s not been once [sic] day—apart from when I’ve been injured—that I have not felt really good here.”

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

The Germany international is in the form of his life after grabbing 15 assists in 16 Premier League games for the Gunners this season, meaning he's on track to break a host of English top-flight records.

While Ozil's title prospects in north London may not be what they once were in Spain's capital, the former Werder Bremen man has come upon a new sense of importance under manager Arsene Wenger.

And as ESPN FC highlighted this week, it's paying dividends for the playmaker, who has made more scoring chances than any other player in Europe's top five divisions this year:

Ozil's comments would suggest there's no chance of him rejoining Real Madrid if Rodriguez were to leave next summer, as was reported by Spanish magazine Don Balon earlier in December (h/t ESPN FC).

It seems the 27-year-old is enjoying Arsenal more than the atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabeu, and Bleacher Report's Dean Jones rates Ozil as one of the Premier League's most improved players for 2015:

Speaking of Rodriguez, Real Madrid could face a fight to hang onto their €80 million signing next summer following reports some of the continent's elite are eyeing his signature.

That's according to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, who told local Spanish television that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal in particular is "very interested" in a deal (h/t the Irish Independent).

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Rodriguez has struggled with injury this season, but he is suspected to have an uneasy relationship with Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez following a fruitful maiden Real campaign under predecessor Carlo Ancelotti.

The Colombia international has made just six La Liga starts under Benitez, but his stock is sure to have risen after dazzling in the 10-2 win over Rayo Vallecano last Sunday, per Squawka:

Tensions with Benitez were thought to have spiralled after Rodriguez was left on the bench for a Champions League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk, and United could offer the player priority placement at Old Trafford.

Catalan-based newspaper Sport recently reported the 24-year-old's party lifestyle is thought to be a concern in Madrid, while the competition at the Bernabeu is already fierce out wide.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale seemingly considered among the "undroppable" players in attack alongside Karim Benzema, it's difficult to see how Rodriguez fits in unless one were to move.

News of Rodriguez's alleged disgruntled attitude will please his suitors, and what was once tipped to be a glittering career in Spain could be set to come to a very abrupt end.