Arjen Robben To Manchester United? [Rumor]
Several rumors linking Arjen Robben with a sensational move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United have materialized.
The Dutch midfielder shares a very close relationship with the current Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal. The Red Devils coach is believed to have informed the club to do “everything they can” to purchase Robben, reports the Express.
Van Gaal believes that Robben can be prized away from Munich for around $40 million, and he thinks that the 30-year-old would add the strength, pace, and guile that Manchester United have been craving.
Louis Van Gaal coached Robben in Germany when he was manager of Bayern Munich, while he also managed him at the 2014 World Cup. The winger was instrumental in Holland’s march to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they were knocked out on penalties by Argentina.
However, it is thought that Pep Guardiola, who is currently the manager of Bayern Munich, doesn’t want to sell Arjen Robben. Manchester United are confident that they could convince the German champions to part with their player though, especially since the aforementioned sum of money is extremely good for a player of Robben’s age.
United are also hopeful that Robben will try and push through a move to Old Trafford by publicly stating his desire to do so.
The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this summer that Louis Van Gaal had invited Robben to join him in Manchester following the World Cup. However, Robben refused this request, but this was then followed by Van Gaal declaring that the door was always open for him to join.
In the past, Robben admitted that he shares a great relationship with Van Gaal, which could be the key to Manchester United securing his signature.
“I have a special bond with him,” Robben explained during the World Cup. “He is the most important coach in my career.”
Robben is currently in a rich vein of form for Bayern Munich, as he has already scored eight times and provided four assists in just 14 appearances this season.
Manchester United allegedly have a huge sum of money ready and waiting for Louis Van Gaal to spend in the summer. It was even reported that United could break the transfer record if they wanted to, and Van Gaal is allowed to spend as much money as he desires.
However, according to BBC News, after being asked about this rumor, Van Gaal called the speculation over United’s possible transfer business “disgusting.”
[Image via Zimbio]
