Chelsea face two-way fight over Franck Ribery with Real Madrid
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 2:00 PM
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery are still alive after the France international suggested he would chose between the Premier League club and Real Madrid this summer.
And a decision may be reached before the end of this transfer window, even if the actual move will not take place until after the World Cup finals in South Africa at the end of the season.
Ribery is certain to leave Bayern. And despite interest from a host of top European clubs for the £45m-rated player he admits that it will be a straight fight for his signature between Chelsea and the Real.
“The same names crop up,” Ribery said. “People talk about Real Madrid and Chelsea and these are big clubs.
“I don’t think it’s a soap opera that will drag on for long. I think things will be decided within the next two or three months.
“I would like things sorted out before the World Cup.”
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is a great admirer of the Frenchman and would be eager to include him in his squad to add width and attacking impetus to the side.
Chelsea were handed a transfer embargo last year over their conduct in signing French teenager Gaël Kakuta from Lens.
The ban is currently suspended while Chelsea appeal against it and club officials are confident that it will be completely removed by the summer.
Source: The Telegraph