As we speed closer to the winter transfer window opening, the “Arjen Robben to Manchester United” narrative returns. With a Dutchman leading his team against a Dutch side in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow night, United Manager Louis van Gaal met the today, many of which are from Holland. Plenty of outlets, not just in Holland, but all around the world, have claimed that United is preparing a massive, and I mean massive bid for one of the world’s greatest players.
News outlet De Telegraaf claimed just before summer deadline day that that Arjen Robben was the subject of a £73 million bid.
Arjen Robben was one of Van Gaal’s first signings when he was in charge at Bayern Munich, and a reporter brought up a potential reunion today, and if United are truly interested in that to begin with.
“When I answer the question, then you are writing, open doors for Robben, what you have written about Ronaldo, and that I didn’t say,” was the full statement from Van Gaal today. Short, terse, to the point from the Iron Tulip. The Dutchman answered the question in a way that best benefits the interests of him and the club. If he were to express interest in the public sphere, then the price goes up.
Here’s a link to the video. The Q&A on Arjen Robben begins around the 8:35 mark.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.