Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes the club must retain the services of Franck Ribery if they are to challenge the likes of Barcelona.
Ribery has already helped Bayern reach the semi-finals of the Champions League this season but his current contract expires next year when he will be able to leave the Allianz Arena on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old France international, who remains undecided over his future, has been linked with a move to Spain.
“We will hold talks. Our clear aim is still to extend the contract,” Rummenigge told Bild. “But if we do not achieve that, it doesn’t automatically mean that we will sell Franck this summer.
“We want to have a team next season who achieve their goals domestically and internationally take another step forward. We have the goal in the future not to travel humbly to Barcelona but rather with a chance of being at the same level. Franck is necessary to do that.”
Rummenigge also insisted Arjen Robben would be staying put, the Dutchman having enjoyed an impressive debut season in Munich.
“Arjen’s contract here has three more years to run,” Rummenigge said. “He is very happy. His father said to me, ‘Perhaps he would have been better coming to you three years ago’.”
Rummenigge also ruled out a summer bid for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who has been linked with a switch to Chelsea.
“I think Dzeko is a very good player, but we will not go there this year,” he said. “We have no problems in attack. With (Toni) Kroos (on loan at Bayer Leverkusen this season) we have a touch more quality and more options tactically.”
