Rummenigge confirms James will stay at Bayern, wishes Arp luck

Bayern Munich’s chairman Karl-Heinz Rummennige has found himself in the news quite a bit lately regarding his blasting of the DFB and the “amateurs” who run the leading German football federation. That hasn’t been the only subject he’s commented on in recent days, as SportBild have obtained quotes from him in which he speaks about James Rodriguez and Jann-Fiete Arp.

Although James has been strongly linked with a return to his current parent club Real Madrid, Bayern have no intention of cancelling a deal which will allow them to purchase the Colombian international for a fee of €42 million next summer.

”He is guaranteed to play for FC Bayern this season, and I presume also beyond that,” confirmed Rummenigge. He went on to criticize the constant false reports that emanate from Spain. “Many things that come from Spain cannot correspond to the truth.”

Those remarks fall in line with the official stance. The club are very insistent on the power they hold with regard to James’ future. There’s always a chance that something could change before the transfer window closes in about six weeks time but, as far as Bayern are concerned, the 27-year-old will be plying his trade for the German champions in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Bayern have had to deal with some rough luck in terms of their own transfer targets after long-term target Fiete Arp sensationally decided to stay at recently relegated Hamburger SV.

Though the media outlet does go on to report that the earliest we can expect Arp to eventually sign with Munich is next summer, his contract extension until 2020 does deal the side a blow considering the strong interest they showed in him. Rummenigge isn’t coming off too bitter about the collapse of a deal, and in fact wishes the youngster all the best for next year,

I think his decision is a very good one, because there are several reasons why such a young player should stay with HSV this year. I wish him and HSV a good season and immediate (re-)promotion.