Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is determined to keep
Franck Ribery so the club can challenge the European supremacy of
Barcelona.
The France winger's current deal expires next year when he
will be able to leave the Allianz Arena on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old, who has said he has not yet made up his mind
over his future, has been strongly linked with a move to the
Primera Division, and it was assumed, should he not extend his
contract, that Bayern would prefer to cash in on their prized asset
this summer than risk losing him for nothing.
"We will hold talks. Our clear aim is still to extend the
contract," Rummenigge said in an interview with the Bild newspaper.
"But if we do not achieve that, it doesn't automatically mean
that we will sell Franck this summer.
"We want to have a team next season who achieve their goals
domestically and internationally take another step forward.
"We have the goal in the future not to travel humbly to
Barcelona, but rather with a chance of being at the same level.
Franck is necessary to do that."
Rummenigge also insisted Arjen Robben would be staying put,
the Dutchman having enjoyed a brilliant debut season in Munich.
"Arjen's contract here has three more years to run. He is
very happy. His father said to me, 'Perhaps he would have been
better coming to you three years ago'," he said.
Rummenigge also ruled out a summer bid for Wolfsburg striker
Edin Dzeko, who has been linked with a switch to Chelsea.
"I think Dzeko is a very good player, but we will not go
there this year," said Rummenigge.
"We have no problems in attack. With (Toni) Kroos (on loan at
Bayer Leverkusen this season) we have a touch more quality and more
options tactically."
Bayern are still in contention for the Bundesliga title, the
DFB Pokal and the Champions League in coach Louis van Gaal's first
season in charge, and Rummenigge is hoping for an extended period
of success with the Dutchman at the helm.
"We want continuity. It would be nice if we could start a
successful era here with Louis," he said.
On the prospect of winning the triple, Rummenigge added: "The
German title is the priority. I believe that this title is the key
to possible further successes. Champions, DFB Pokal final against
Werder Bremen. And then perhaps the big one, the Champions League
final. It is 50-50 against Lyon (in the semi-finals)."
