He may move across the pitch like a ballerina dancing on broken glass, but there’s no doubting Arjen Robben’s credentials as one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. The news that his future with Bayern Munich is in doubt will no doubt place Europe’s top clubs on alert.
Robben’s contract with Bayern was set to expire in the summer of 2013. The club and player were thought to both be keen in extending terms until 2015. But the negotiations process has now broken down.
So what’s the hold-up? According to Bayern President Uli Hoeness: “All I know is that he was due to put pen to paper and now that has all been postponed.”
Why has the player suddenly decided to hoist a giant question mark over his future at the Allianz Arena? According to German newspaper Bild, Robben’s postponed contract talks after a things got heated with team-mate Frank Ribery. Apparently the Dutchman and the Frenchman fell into disagreement about who would take a free-kick in the first half of Bayern’s home leg against Real Madrid.
Things escalated and although Bayern’s top brass tried to control the situation, Robben is believed to be unhappy with how the situation was handled. As a result his future is very much up in the air.
Bayern are now in a fairly perilous position. With his contract up in 2013 if he does want to go they need to sell him this summer or risk losing him on a free next year. His contract situation may well force them to sell at a lower price than they would have liked.
Emirates 24/7 claim that Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal are all thought to be chasing the Dutchman. There’s little doubt that he could provide a boost to any of these sides.
Arsenal’s Gervinho has struggled to impress this season, and though they also have the Ox and Theo Walcott down the wings, this may be an area that Wenger seeks to improve upon this summer.
After Gareth Bale’s recent quotes about considering his Spurs future should his side fail to finish in the top four, Harry may consider lining up Robben as a potential replacement. The two players share a lot in common: pace, skill, goals, vision – you name it. I’d argue that Robben is the finished article, however. He’d be an excellent signing.
As for Liverpool, they’re in desperate need of inspiration all across the pitch. Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson aren’t looking good enough at the moment and Robben could provide a burst of world class energy to this stilted side. That’s providing he’s willing to miss out on Champions League football.
What’s your take? Can you see Robben moving on this summer? Where should he go?
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He has signed a new contract till 2015! He signed it on Thursday according to the the offical Bayern website!
As above, looks like you missed the boat my old flower