The billionaire Chelsea owner called Bayern Munich
general manager Uli Hoeness last weekend. He made clear his
intention to recruit the French star and is willing to pay the most
ever by a British club to get him.
A senior Bayern source said: "Uli was taken by surprise
by the phone call but was very honest and courteous with Mr
Abramovich. "We are still resolved to keep Ribery but Hoeness
agreed to meet with Abramovich in Germany to discuss any
offer."
As SunSport revealed last month, Manchester United and
Chelsea will both launch bids for Ribery this summer. United have
yet to make an offer and Abramovich has now stolen a march on
them.
New Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti was promised a marquee
signing by the Russian billionaire but so far bids for Kaka and
Alexandre Pato have failed.
Ribery has openly declared his preference to join Real
Madrid. Munich fear Ribery has signed a pre-contract similar to
Cristiano Ronaldo which will see him leave for Real next
summer.
Angered by Real's arrogance, the Germans may try to
sell him to Chelsea.
