LONDON, MARSEILLE, Oct 7 (Sw) - Arsenal are said to have struck a preliminary deal with French winger Franck Ribery.
The Marseille player was linked with many clubs since his rise to stardom during the World Cup in Germany. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of his 23-year-old compatriot.
The London club are ready to pay a €26 million fee next summer, and Sky Sports report that they already have earned a first option on the pacey midfielder.
The deal would be bad news for other clubs interested in the former Galatasaray player. These include giants like Bayern Munchen and Real Madrid.