Arsenal seem intent to set a club-record on the transfer front this summer and could end up smashing the amount they paid Real Madrid for Mesut Ozil in 2013 twice- as the Gunners are eyeing a Real Madrid star as well as Monaco ace Kylian Mbappe.

A deal for French teenager Mbappe is likely to be very difficult to complete, as Monaco will fight tooth and nail to keep their prized asset within the French principality, but Arsenal are likely to smash their own transfer record elsewhere.

Spanish outlet El Chiringuito states the Gunners have made a move to sign frustrated Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez, who is set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer following a disappointing three seasons in the Spanish capital.

Since making a name for himself at the 2014 World Cup, the Colombian ace has struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up at Real Madrid and failed to make the bench for Los Blancos’ Champions League victory against Juventus in Cardiff.

A host of top clubs including Manchester United and Inter Milan have been linked with a move for the South American but Arsenal now seem to have joined the chase, although it’s stated the Gunners’ bid fell short of Real Madrid’s £69.8m valuation.

That figure would easily surpass the £42.5m Arsenal paid for Mesut Ozil in 2013 and James could arrive as a replacement for star-man Alexis Sanchez, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and has been heavily linked with an exit.

James could therefore partner Mesut Ozil in attacking midfield, playing behind the striker, and Rodriguez’ versatility means he could also be deployed out-wide if Arsenal were to revert back to a four-man defensive line.

The signing of Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer though suggests the Gunners will continue with a three-man defence that impressed in the latter stages of the season and James would be a stellar addition to Arsenal’s attack- particularly if they secured a top-class striker to play ahead of him.

However, the price James will cost makes things difficult for Arsenal as there isn’t much to suggest that he’s worth that price. Having said that, a sale of Alexis Sanchez would front most of the money for the Colombian superstar.

At just 25, James still has plenty of years ahead of him and could become the focal point of Arsenal’s attack, particularly if Mesut Ozil leaves upon the expiration of his contract next season, and signing the Colombian would signal a huge statement of intent on Arsenal’s part.