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Gunners target French stars

Arsenal have again been linked with Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal.

A new round of speculation in the French press has again seen Arsenal linked with two of France's World Cup stars, Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal.

Both players have been strongly mentioned in conjunction with the North London side since the finals in Germany, and, with the summer transfer window appearing on the distant horizon, the links have now resurfaced.

Marseille winger Ribery has hinted he could leave Stade Velodrome if the French side fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and Arsenal could be at the front of the queue to capture the gifted star if the opportunity arises.

"I don't want to experience the same situation as last summer," Ribery told France Football.

"My main objective remains to qualify for the Champions League with l'OM, and then we will see what happens.

"The clubs that were interested in me after the World Cup continue to contact me."

Ribery has also been linked with European giants Bayern Munich and Real Madrid since his impressive showing at the World Cup, but France Football reports that the winger has a verbal agreement that could see him join his compatriot Arsene Wenger.

Gunners skipper Thierry Henry is also known to be a huge fan of the player who is currently recovering from a fractured foot, but Premiership rivals Liverpool and Manchester United are also believed to be interested.

Lyon left-back Abidal could also leave France in the summer as he has so far refused to sign a new three-year deal on offer from the Ligue 1 champions.

The Gunners and Real Madrid appear to be his two most likely suitors, although Milan and Barcelona are in the hunt as well and could be prepared to pay his £10million buyout clause.