Source: Telegraph
Bordeaux president lashes out at Arsène Wenger over Marouane Chamakh pursuit
Arsenal had an offer of around £8 million turned down during the summer and are well aware that Chamakh is in the final year of his contract. Bordeaux, though, are unhappy that the issue has again been raised now that the transfer window is closed.
"What I do not like in the behaviour of Arsène Wenger, who is doing this again today, is that at the beginning, he declared his interest in Chamakh, a long time before calling me," Triaud said.
"Then he ended up doing so. And now, Mr Wenger is starting again, again starting to put doubt in the mind of the player. And I don't find that very correct. That said, in January, Marouane will not leave. Even less so on a free transfer."
Triaud claimed that Wenger had decided against negotiating further for Chamakh when it became apparent that Eduardo was fully recovered from his dislocated ankle and broken leg.
"Seeing Eduardo make a fantastic start to the season, Wenger suddenly realised he no longer needed Chamakh. So there was no more news from London,” said Triaud.
"At that point Chamakh asked me to block everything for Arsenal and I told him no, and called Wenger to know [what was happening]. He told me he didn't want him anymore, stating that he is a great player, that he respects him, but if he takes him and he does not play, it would not be right for the player or for the club.
"He said that, regardless of the price of the transfer, he was not interested. Thank you and goodbye. That's how it happened, something I explained to Chamakh, so he has no bitterness towards the club.”
