Last Updated: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:59
Chelsea have been hit by the news Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery will only leave the German club for a move to Real Madrid.
The Blues have been heavily linked with the 26-year-old France international all summer and it looked like a three-way fight between them, Manchester United and Spanish giants Real Madrid. However it now appears the Primera Liga side will win the race for his signature after Ribery admitted he would only be interested in a move to the Bernabeu if he leaves the Allianz Arena.
It is thought fellow compatriot and Real legend Zinedine Zidane's presence as a special adviser in Madrid is the reason behind his preference.
Ribery told L'Equipe: "I have decided that I want to leave. It will be Real Madrid or nothing. I will wait to see how things pan out but I would like to hold talks with the Bayern management soon."
Despite Ribery's admission, Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness is continuing to stress that the player is going nowhere this summer.
"Does Franck want to go to Real?" he asked. "For us, that changes absolutely anything. Life is not always a fairytale.
"Real have not made us a specific proposal and we do not need their money."