Arsenal lead Tottenham in race to sign Real Madrid midfielder, Atletico Madrid ready to meet valuation for James Rodriguez, Paul Pogba could hand in transfer request and more Real Madrid Transfer News: July 12, 2019

#1 Atletico Madrid and Napoli set to battle it out for James Rodriguez

Deportivo de La Coruna v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

James Rodriguez courted world attention with his displays at the 2014 World Cup, but has not exactly reached the heights expected since completing his record breaking move to Real Madrid.

The Colombian international spent the last two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga giants opted against making the move permanent.

With just one year left on his current Real Madrid deal, the club are desperate to offload him, as Zidane does not seem to have plans for him in the future.

Napoli seemed set to sign the 27-year-old which would have reunited him with former manager Carlo Ancelotti, but Real Madrid's city rivals, Atletico, have now entered the fray.

The Colchoneros have been one of this summer's busiest teams, seeing a host of players including Lucas Hernandez, Rodri, Diego Godin and Felipe Luis leave, and new player come in including Alvaro Morata, who was signed permanently from Chelsea, and the record breaking signing of Portuguese teenage sensation, Joao Felix.

They are, however, keen on adding creativity to their midfield and have turned their attention to James.

Atletico are willing to match Real Madrid's €42m valuation and if they are to finalize the move, it would come as a hammer blow to Napoli.