Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Top Rumours

Real Madrid could reportedly take advantage of their FIFA-imposed transfer ban being reduced by bidding for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next summer.

Los Blancos released a statement detailing a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport reducing the club's transfer ban to only include the upcoming January transfer window (h/t Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star).

The ruling has naturally prompted intense speculation about who the 11-time European Cup winners will target next summer. A report from Mario de la Riva of AS English has suggested Real may consider Aubameyang a potential "Galactico" signing: "Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a target for Real Madrid last summer and has made little secret of his desire to join the Bernabeu club one day, although if Dortmund were to sell there would plenty of competition for the Gabon striker."

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Riva also identified an obvious alternative in case Real would be unable to tempt Dortmund into a deal: "However, the Bundesliga giants are unlikely to part with their star striker meekly and if that bid fails, Madrid could turn to Juventus forward Paulo Dybala."

Links between Los Merengues and Dortmund's primary goal-getter have been strong all year. In fact, Aubameyang's mother recently revealed how her son would always choose Real over Barcelona, per AS (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Sun): "He promised his grandfather that he would play for Real Madrid and since he was a little boy he spoke about Madrid and never about Barcelona."

However, Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel has remained adamant the Bundesliga club can't sell its star player, despite conceding it's natural for Aubameyang to want to play for Real, per Sky Sports: "We cannot achieve our objectives without him. He's an extraordinary player, he makes everyone better."

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It's no wonder Tuchel doesn't want to let Aubameyang go. The Gabon international has accelerated his development on Tuchel's watch.

In particular, Auabameyang has gone from a wide forward whose movement was keen but finishing erratic to one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Europe. The 27-year-old has scored 16 goals in just 14 Bundesliga games this season, according to WhoScored.com.

Real know firsthand what Aubameyang can do after facing him twice in this season's UEFA Champions League. Aubameyang scored in each game, both 2-2 draws.

His terrific pace and perceptive movement would dovetail superbly with wide forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Aubameyang would be an obvious upgrade on Frenchman Karim Benzema through the middle of Real's forward line.

Conflicting Reports Regarding James Rodriguez

The future of James Rodriguez remains uncertain, as conflicting reports have the South American star being taken in opposite directions. He's either staying at a club that still values him or James is on his way to the Premier League.

The Daily Mail's Amitai Winehouse has reported James is being offered to a host of English clubs, with the player said to prefer a move to Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Winehouse has revealed how the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is working on a deal. It's a situation Los Blancos are said to be amenable to after the CAS ruling.

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Yet these reports contradict those from Spanish radio station Cadena SER (h/t TalkSport) stating Real won't sell James to Chelsea or Manchester United: "Real Madrid are very reluctant to let the player go in the upcoming transfer window, as they do not believe they will have time to find a suitable replacement."

What's kept the rumour mill turning is James' own willingness to talk up an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu. The player recently made it clear he's open to offers, per Mark Crellin of Sky Sports: "I can't assure I will stay at Real Madrid. I have offers and seven days left to think about my future."

James was left out of the FIFA Club World Cup final and cited a lack of regular playing time as one of his chief concerns.

Of course, James doesn't play consistently because he's rarely consistent on the pitch. A superb creator of goals and a classy finisher, the former Porto and AS Monaco man can boss games when he's motivated.

Yet Rodriguez too often lets matches pass him by. His languid playing style can make him an easy target, but a player this talented should be guaranteed a place in the starting XI of any top club.

Motivation and effort continue to let James down. Real would still be wise to keep him, though, at least until the club is allowed to sign new players again next summer.