Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

PSV Eindhoven and FC Tokyo chasing Arjen Robben transfer as FC Bayern look to replace him with Callum Hudson-Odoi

The Dutch winger could return home to see out his career or try a new frontier

Ed Malyon
Tuesday 29 January 2019 16:39 GMT
Comments
Premier League transfer round-up: Higuain signs for Chelsea

Arjen Robben will leave FC Bayern this summer at the end of his contract, with FC Tokyo and PSV Eindhoven leading the chase for his signature.

PSV were the club where Robben first made his name before signing for Chelsea in a £12m deal at Roman Abramovich arrived in west London with a splash. They are keen to repatriate the 35-year-old winger for the twilight of his career, reuniting him with former teammate Mark van Bommel who is now head coach, though reports in Japan claim he is close to agreeing a big-money move to the J-League.

FC Tokyo are interested in bringing the veteran wideman to Asia and joining the increasing contingent of European stars choosing to wind down their playing days in new markets.

Andres Iniesta and Lukas Podolski, both World Cup winners, have moved to Vissel Kobe while Fernando Torres signed for Sagan Tosu last year.

Robben's number 10 shirt has reportedly already been offered to Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea, who the Bundesliga giants are desperate to sign as part of their impending summer rebuild.

Hudson-Odoi has maintained a stance that he won't extend his contract with the Stamford Bridge club and he would like to be given the opportunity to leave.

Chelsea, however, remain intent on keeping him and will try to convince him of his future role with the Blues over the coming months.

"It is not easy to keep these young players," Sarri told a news conference ahead of Chelsea's league trip to Bournemouth on Wednesday. "He is one of the best 18-year-old players in Europe... I don't know (if he is happy)."

"The club told me in this market window he will remain with us for sure, and very probably in the next. I think he will be the future of our club and English football."

Hudson-Odoi wants to leave Chelsea in the hope that Bayern can offer him more minutes on the pitch, something Sarri said he was unable to guarantee.

"It's impossible to promise him he will play every match. It depends on the situation," the Italian added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in