Arsenal are watching James Rodriguez's situation at Bayern Munich.

The Colombia international is in the second of his two season loan at Bayern from Real Madrid. However, the beginning of the campaign hasn't gone to plan for James.

Don Balon says after rebuilding his career last season under veteran coach Jupp Heynckes, James finds himself at odds with new manager Niko Kovac.

Kovac believes he has better options available to him than James and doesn't regard the midfielder as a long-term option.

As such, James and Real are already in contact about plans for the January market. After making up so much ground last term, James is desperate for the momentum to be maintained.

Arsenal, with the influence of transfer chiefs Sven Mislintat and Raul Sanllehi, are watching developments closely.

Early enquiries have already been made, with intermediaries for Real making clear James could leave Bayern in January for a bid of €50m.