Frank Ribery
Reports this morning on footybunker.com suggest that Arsène Wenger has contacted Bayern Munich about Frank Ribery, who is believed to cost somewhere in the region of £22 million. Ribery was linked with a move to Real Madrid last summer for a fee in excess of £50 million, but a deal never materialised and he remained in Munich for another (injury ravaged) season. However, it would seem that Bayern are now looking at the possibility of re-vamping their squad over the summer. Given Ribery’s history (with both injury and an underage prostitute) it would be best to let him leave at a cut price. Frank made only 32 appearances (22 starts) last season, but did score 11 goals and make 21 assists in the process.
It is expected that that Wenger will step up his interest in the French international once we have agreed a fee with Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas – i.e don’t expect anything to happen any time soon. The Fabregas deal may take until the end of the transfer window.
Photo from b.schrade on Flickr
Ribery himself has claimed this week that he is yet to reach his full potential, saying that if he can overcome his injury problems he believes that he can match the level of Lionel Messi. Ribery told Bild:
“In my first two years [at Bayern], the level I played at was really incredible. Messi has shown, however, that he can do it for three, four years in a row.
“I have worked with his team-mates; [Eric] Abidal has told me a lot about Messi’s game. He told me that Messi’s mentality is outstanding, he is always relaxed.
“If I can get fully fit again and am free in my own head, while having a good relationship with the coach, if this base is right then I can reach the level of Messi. This is for me without question.”
It all sounds very promising – Arsenal bidding for one of the best wingers in the world, and the player in question believes he can match Lionel Messi. Further to that, reports claim Bayern will be prepared to sell for a cut price due to Ribery’s injury problems and off-the-pitch behaviour.
How can we honestly believe such rumours? Wenger has never spent that much money on a player, and surely one of the ‘big spenders’ will be prepared to pay far more for a player with such an abundance of talent?
Likeliness Rating: 1/5 – we can hope that the reports have some validity, but it seems highly unlikely
Arsenal team needs such players, but as i know wenger i have no hope for that deal to mature.
What an underestimation of oneself.
id rather we spend £22 million on Eden Hazard or Marko Marin
An injury prone player- just what Arsenal needs! Anyway, @ £22m it won’t happen.
this is getting stupid, how long is it gonna take before someone links us with a bid for messi?
I think he’s just too lacking in confidence!!
Well, is okay if arsenal can sign him.
him on the left
nasri in the fabrigas role.
it would be great news for arsenal
but once again i dont see this happning even if fabrigas dose leave.
Will if arsenal can sign him is a good deal
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We dnt want Ribery cos of his injury instead Wenger shld pls persuade Nasri into another contract, sell Fabregas and do some kind of reinforcement in d squad. We need matured and experience player like Samba and Cahill 4 our defense. Moreso we nid a young bt talented goal keeper. UP GUNNERS.