Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben holds talks with PSV Eindhoven
The Dutch giant has made the first move to sign Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arjen Robben announced his Bayern Munich exit earlier this month, making him the first player to confirm this will be his last season with the club. Robben is moving on after a decade of success in Munich. The Dutchman didn’t make any hints about a retirement, though, as he is still keen to continue playing beyond this season. He’s likely to announce his next destination within the next few months.
PSV Eindhoven has been mentioned as one possible destination for Robben. The veteran winger enjoyed a brief spell at the club in the initial phase of his career, and a return is not entirely off the table. Speaking with the Dutch media (via Football Oranje) this week, PSV’s general manager Omroep Brabant expressed interest in signing Robben. He further added that Mark Van Bommel has been in touch with his former teammate after his exit announcement this month.
"“There has been contact. Mark, who played with Arjen, sent him a message.“It is, of course, up to Arjen to make the decision.”"
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Van Bommel played with Robben both at Bayern and with the Dutch national team. He could use his good relationship with Robben to bring him back to PSV. The Dutch club is currently defending their Eredivisie title in an excellent manner, with a two-point lead over Ajax atop the table. Signing Robben would be a great step for the club in their ambitions to return to European prominence.
FC Groningen is the other Dutch club who are in the mix for Robben’s signature. The former Dutch international started his career at Groningen. It remains a club very close to his heart, and he has not ruled out a return to it in the future. However, Groningen will have to manage their wage bill wisely in order to accommodate Robben in their squad.
Robben is unlikely to look for a move to Asia after his comments about a possible move to China. There have been no reports about a move to MLS either. He still has a lot to offer, so he is likely to stay in Europe for at least one more season. PSV will offer him the prospect of Champions League play, so they are the firm favorites at the moment.
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Robben will be hoping to end his Bayern career on a positive note. The Dutchman is not going to play again this year due to a recently picked up thigh problem. He is expected to return to action after the winter break. Bayern will be hoping that he remains fit for the final six months at the club as Niko Kovac will be banking on him to deliver the goods in all competitions. A Bundesliga title along with a Champions League trophy would be the ultimate goal for Robben before he bids adieu to the Bavarian faithful.