Arsenal lose out in French international’s transfer: told you so

Recently I reported that French international winger Franck Ribery would not be heading to Arsenal as was widely expected, but rather forgo the Premiership for the Bundesliga and join Bayern Munich. A lot of nasty comments later, I plant the flag: I told you so.

Ribery has joined the German club on a four-year deal from French outfit Marseille.

Bayern are tipped to have paid 17m pounds for the player with performance clauses and a further 3m pounds if they qualify for Europe next season also in the contract. He now joins Luca Toni and Marcell Jansen as Bayern look to recover from one of the worst seasons in their recent history.

This leaves the Gunners without a significant signing so far this transfer season. Florent Malouda of Lyon has been linked to join Arsenal as it became more and more clear Ribery was not arriving, but even there they face stiff competition from Liverpool for the player.

Ribery joined Marseille back in 2005 and has scored 11 goals in 60 appearances during his career at the French club. He had his breakout at last summer’s World Cup where his grit, determination and talent impressed many clubs.

Ribery passed a medical in Munich today before signing on with the 20 time German champions. Luca Toni was also presented today.

Bayern has now spent 40m pounds so far on players this off season, joining Manchester United as big spenders. Arsenal better get on the ball or see another 4th place next season.