Bayern chief says Robben will stay; Arsenal target to be made available for sale

Bayern chief says Robben will stay

Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is adamant that Arjen Robben will remain at Alianz Arena despite speculations linking him with a summer move to Milan.

Arjen Robben has recently stated that he is not interested in playing Europa League football, but Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says the Dutchman will not be sold even if Bayern fail to ensure Champions League football.

“We all want to return to the Champions League, and we must do everything to make this happen,” Bayern chief told Bild.

“But this is one hundred percent sure: Arjen Robben will play at Bayern next season – no matter what happens.”

It seems the player himself has come to terms with staying at the club, as witnessed by his statement yesterday.

“I feel very comfortable here at Bayern. I would love to stay here,” the Dutchman was quoted as saying.

This proves that Bayern chiefs are determined to restore their domestic domination and there are reports that new boss Jupp Heynckes will have around €60 million to spend on new players.

Arsenal target to be made available for sale

Werder Bremen are looking to sell star player Per Mertesacker next summer so as to avoid losing him for free.

The player’s contract is set to expire in June 2012, but the club chiefs have yet to offer him a contract extension.

Werder Bremen general manager, Klaus Allofs admits Mertesacker, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, could be sold in the summer.

“If you are not going to hand out an extension to an outrunning contract then you need to know all the possibilities available to you.

“I am unable to just look after the money, I am also unable to just look after the sport factor.
“As soon as we are aware of our fate in the Bundesliga this spring, we are going to clarify if we are able to sign extensions to these contracts.

“We will be in talks, that is for sure.”

[Source: The Mirror]

Erik Lamela’s father admits contact with European giants

The father of River Plate hotshot Erik Lamela, Jose admitted that a number of big European clubs have contacted his son regarding a summer transfer.

The 19-year-old is already considered a first team regular at River Plate and his impressive midfield performances saw him attract admiring glances from clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The player’s father, Jose Lamela has revealed that a number of clubs have already been in contact with his son.

“So far, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Milan, Inter and recently a German team have shown interest in my son. He also likes Lazio,” Jose Lamela told La Repubblica.

The poor financial situation at River could force the Argentine giants into selling their most prized asset.

“The situation at River is not easy, but now Erik has to be focused on the Argentine championship,” Lamela added.

He has also revealed that his son already holds an EU passport.

“Our family is of Spanish origin and my son already has a European Union passport.”

Taking into account the latest developments, it looks as though Lamela would be sold in the summer, with aforementioned clubs set to enter a real bidding war for his services.

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