Arsenal pull back from Chamakh talks over Silvestre interest

Arsenal may pull back from talks for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.

The London Evening Standard says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is lining up a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, who could seal his £25million move to Manchester City today.

The Arsenal manager's first choice is Chamakh, who is entering the final year of his contract but Standard Sport understands the French club may complicate the transfer by demanding Silvestre moves the other way.

That could scupper the move as it is thought Wenger is reluctant to let Silvestre, 31, leave even though he has six centre-backs - including £10m signing Thomas Vermaelen - plus the versatile Alex Song.

Y_Shun

16 Jul 09, 09:23

Alamak, Silvestre that good in his plans? I think its worth it to invest in Chamakh. Wenger can always find other defenders.

omgukilledkenny

17 Jul 09, 22:31

Chamakh talk made up - Bordeaux

Arsenal have made no enquiry to Bordeaux about the availability of Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh, according to the French club's chairman.

The Gunners are reported to be weighing up a £5.2million approach for the 25-year-old, who scored 13 goals in 34 appearances as Bordeaux claimed the Ligue 1 title last season.

With Emmanuel Adebayor seemingly poised to complete a big-money move to Manchester City, Emirates Stadium boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his attacking options.

A cash-plus-player deal involving defender Mikael Silvestre has also been mooted, but Girondins chairman Jean-Louis Triaud insists no discussions have been held regarding Chamakh.

"Arsene Wenger hasn't called me to say he is interested in signing Chamakh," Triaud told France Football.

"Who has talked about Chamakh going to Arsenal? Journalists. These are just stories without foundation."

teamtalk.