Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has moved to play down speculation linking star striker Marouane Chamakh with a January move to Arsenal. The Moroccan international nearly made the switch during the summer before Arsene Wenger reneged on the move in light of Eduardo da Silva’s return to fitness. Nevertheless, with Robin van Persie facing five months on the sidelines it is thought the French coach could return to the negotiating table with Chamakh’s contract set to end in the summer.
"I don't have any information on the subject," Triaud told L'Equipe.
"Besides, as far as we are concerned, it is out of the question.
"Marouane is a decisive player, and we have important challenges ahead in the league and the Champions League. If we fail to achieve our goals, we will lose money. Anyway, we will not do anything without [coach] Laurent Blanc's approval."
Two weeks ago Wenger was quoted as saying he was not interested in pursuing Chamakh in January, although his comments were made before the full extent of van Persie’s injury was known.
“At the moment I am inclined to say no [about going back for him] because I feel we have enough quality,” Wenger told assembled media.
“Also I want to give a chance to Carlos Vela who comes back from injury and has great performances in training.
“Bordeaux are very reluctant [to sell]. The player will be free to sign where he wants but they will not get a lot of money for three months more [on this contract].
“No [I have not enquired about him]. They are reluctant because I cannot see how they can get a player of the same quality and it will be stupid for them to sell him if they are qualified in the Champions League to make, what, £1 million Euros? They can make three times that if they have a good run in the Champions League.”