Source: Daily_Mail
Angry Wenger wants to have Chamakh row out in public with Bordeaux chief
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reacted angrily to claims he unsettled Marouane Chamakh and has challenged Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud to a public meeting over his allegations.
Wenger is a huge admirer of Morocco forward Chamakh but no deal was agreed this summer for the 25-year-old, who has a year left on his contract with his French club.
Triaud has questioned Wenger's conduct by suggesting he publicly declared an interest in his player before telling them.
And the Bordeaux chief said he is reluctant to do business with Arsenal if they go back for Chamakh when the transfer window reopens in January.
Wenger said: "The communication between the president of Bordeaux and myself is very clear. I kept him informed on everything that happened.
"If he is ready to make a comment, I'm ready to sit down with him here and to explain to you what he said. Then I will answer eye to eye.
"I don't agree at all. It's very difficult for me to understand any statement of that kind from him. I'm ready to make a press conference with him if you want.
"I'm not angry because I look in the mirror and know what I did. I don't need any special comment.
"We can sit down here with the player and the president of Bordeaux and have an explanation. You will see what I did. I'm sure the president of Bordeaux will agree with what I say."
Wenger insists the row does not affect his position on Chamakh, but he has hit back at Bordeaux by questioning their role in the transfer saga.
"It does not affect my thinking. The boy is fantastic," he added. "I have made nearly 200 transfers and that means nearly 400 have not happened.
"That is part of any deal. It's not because they are under pressure in Bordeaux that we have to explain everything that happens.
"I feel it is very important to keep confidentiality with everything that happens. I have never seen a story like that where something is in the newspapers every day because they talk.
"You talk when you sign the player. All the rest is the procedure of any transfer."
Wenger has Theo Walcott back in the squad for the Barclays Premier League clash against Fulham this weekend following a side strain but Manuel Almunia is still struggling with a stomach problem so Vito Mannone could continue in goal. Andrey Arshavin is fit again following a groin strain.
Wenger was speaking at the official opening of the Highbury Square, which sees the club's former home developed into apartments.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "We are seeing sales progressing well and the development is on a sound financial footing."
