Arsenal, Chelsea in battle for Real Madrid star

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has joined the race for the signature of Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez, according to reports in Spain.

Wenger's team has just one point from the opening two Premier League games of the season, seeing the Frenchman look to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes on August 31.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo , the north London club now leads Premier League rivals Chelsea in signing the 25-year-old forward and are willing to pay £52 million ($69 million).

Rodriguez moved to Madrid in 2014 for £71 million ($94 million) following an impressive campaign for Colombia at the World Cup in Brazil, but has failed to make a significant impact on the club.

Real manager Zinedine Zidane is believed to not see Rodriguez as a key figure of his team for the new La Liga season, as he didn't start the player against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger at StubHub Center, California, July 31. Wenger has entered the race for Real Madrid attacker James