A new round of speculation in the
French press has again seen Arsenal linked with two of France's
World Cup stars, Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal.
Both players have been strongly mentioned in conjunction with the
North London side since the finals in Germany, and, with the summer
transfer window appearing on the distant horizon, the links have
now resurfaced.
Marseille winger Ribery has hinted he could leave Stade Velodrome
if the French side fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League
and Arsenal could be at the front of the queue to capture the
gifted star if the opportunity arises.
"I don't want to experience the same situation as last summer,"
Ribery told France Football.
"My main objective remains to qualify for the Champions League with
l'OM, and then we will see what happens.
"The clubs that were interested in me after the World Cup continue
to contact me."
Ribery has also been linked with European giants Bayern Munich and
Real Madrid since his impressive showing at the World Cup, but
France Football reports that the winger has a verbal agreement that
could see him join his compatriot Arsene Wenger.
Gunners skipper Thierry Henry is also known to be a huge fan of the
player who is currently recovering from a fractured foot, but
Premiership rivals Liverpool and Manchester United are also
believed to be interested.
Lyon left-back Abidal could also leave France in the summer as he
has so far refused to sign a new three-year deal on offer from the
Ligue 1 champions.
The Gunners and Real Madrid appear to be his two most likely
suitors, although Milan and Barcelona are in the hunt as well and
could be prepared to pay his £10million buyout clause.
