Chamakh gunning for big move abroad

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PARIS, Feb 11, 2010 (AFP) - Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh may rarely feature at the top of the goalscoring charts, but that has not stopped him becoming one of the most talked-about players in French football.

A product of Bordeaux's youth team, the 26-year-old Moroccan international has been linked with a string of European giants over the past year including Liverpool, Arsenal, Inter Milan and Juventus.

With barely six months of his current deal left to run, Chamakh is free to talk to other clubs and his next move has been a subject of fierce speculation.

But for Chamakh, it is clear where he sees his future after the end of the present French campaign.

"My future? Well, I hold all the cards, I have no reason to be under pressure but everyday passing by, I am a little less a Bordeaux player," he said on Wednesday when unveiled as a candidate for the centrist party Modem for the forthcoming regional elections.

"My choice is to join the Premier League and if I could choose, I will go to Arsenal.

"However, nothing is done and dusted yet but when it is I will let you know (the press) first."

The Britsh press have claimed the striker had already signed a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners.

Yet Gunners manager Arsene Wenger refused to be drawn on whether the Moroccan would be joining Arsenal, who have struggled for goals since Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Manchester City and a long-term injury to Dutch forward Robin van Persie.

"We are talking to nobody," Wenger told journalists.

"I believe he (Chamakh) talks to many clubs, which 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 Arsenal coach added.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has conceded defeat in his pursuit of Chamakh.

"I do not think that he will come to us," said the Spaniard.

Standing at 6ft 2in (1.88 metres), Chamakh is strong in the air, quick and blessed with a deft touch and his link-up play with midfielder Youri Gourcuff has been a driving factor behind Bordeaux's superb league form over the past 18 months.

Last season, Chamakh netted a personal record of 13 league goals and created six goals. This season he has nine goals in all competitions to his name, including two in the Champions League.

His all-round contribution to the side has seen Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc reluctant to let his star striker go.

"He's exploded onto the European stage as I wanted. You know the friendship and respect that I have for Marouane Chamakh. I am always happy when he plays well," said the 44-year-old 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning central defender.

"He's scored two goals in the Champions League. It's great but he still has progress to make and he knows that very well."