Chamakh goes public on contract negotiations

Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh has once again made clear that he will not be extending his contract at Bordeaux as he mulls over a number of offers from potential suitors.

Esteemed publication France Football claims that Liverpool lead the chase for the 26-year-old although Arsenal are also keeping tabs knowing that the striker is a free agent in the summer.

It had been reported earlier last week that Rafael Benitez had agreed a £25 million package to snap up the highly-rated forward with Chamakh offered an apparent £12 million signing on fee to move to Anfield at the end of the season.

Nevertheless, with Liverpool playing down the reports, it appears that Arsenal retain their position as favourites to snap up the player next summer.

Speaking in the aftermath of his side's latest Ligue 1 win against Grenoble, the highly-rated attacker spoke about his future.

"I will not extend [my Bordeaux deal]," stated the Arsenal and Liverpool target.

"I'll know more this weekend when I've talked to my advisors. I believe things must be said quickly. I believe also that the club must be set."

Chamakh has been an ever-present in Bordeaux's league fixtures to date notching seven goals in the league. He struck 13 times in total last season as he helped les Girondins to their first league title in a decade.

Both Rafael Benitez and Arsene Wenger have been linked with a number of Europe's top hitmen.

Kenwyne Jones, David Villa, Emile Heskey and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been touted as possible recruits for Liverpool as they look to maintain their status in the Premier League's top four, while Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with the likes of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Edin Dzeko and Carlton Cole.

While striker recruits are thought to be a necessity at both Anfield and the Emirates, messrs Wenger and Benitez have so far spent the transfer window making signings in other positions.

The Gunners are set to announce a short-term contract for former player Sol Campbell while Maxi Rodriguez made his debut for Liverpool at Stoke after agreeing a three year deal.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.