Arsenal leading Marouane Chamakh chase as Liverpool concede defeat
09 Feb 2010 - 16:57:24
Arsenal have emerged as front runners to tie up a deal for Marouane Chamakh after Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez conceded defeat in his pursuit of the Bordeaux striker.
The Morocco international is available on a free transfer in the summer and reports in January suggested a deal was already in place to bring the player to Anfield.
However, only last week Chamakh expressed his interest in joining Arsenal, and Benitez believes any chance of securing the player is now dead.
The 26-year-old has reportedly hit out at Liverpool for being 'fussy'over contract negotiations but Benitez is angry at the breakdown of thedeal.
Hands off: Chamakh (right) vies for the ball with Boulogne player Bira Dembele
'I think that we will not sign him - but I will not say [any more],' said the Spaniard.
Gunner boss Arsene Wenger, though, remained coy on the subject ahead of his sides clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.
He said: 'We are talking to nobody. We are focusing on tomorrow's game.
'I believe he talks to many clubs, what he is entitled to do. He is free to sign a pre-contract.
'He is free to sign where he wants but I cannot interfere in that.'
The Gunners are in desperate need of a recognisable frontman after seeing their title challenge all but evaporate over the last week because of a bluntless in attack and naivity in defence.
News of a deal for Chamakh to join in the summer would leave a bitter taste for some fans who believe it is too little, too late.
The Emirates Stadium faithful are angry the manager didn't move to strengthen his forward ranks considering the long-term injuries to Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, plus the poor form of Eduardo, Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela.
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