Arsenal increase offer for Chamakh

The Moroccan international, who has netted 15 times for his country, has been the subject of one of the longest running transfer sagas of the close-season.

Chamakh, whose 13 goals last season helped secure a first league title in 10 years for les Girondins, has made no secret of his desire to leave the Stade Chaban Delmas.

He has claimed to have agreed terms with Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur, adding that he would prefer a move to Arsenal.

However, after the Gunners saw a €7 million bid for the front-man rejected, Wenger insisted he would not be increasing his offer nor his efforts to sign the striker, stating he would be prepared to wait a year and land the front-man for free.

But, according to L'Equipe, the Emirates Stadium outfit are now prepared to submit an increased offer for the front-man, after Bordeaux chief Triaud confirmed he was keen to come to a compromise with the Arsenal supremo.

“It’s up to Arsene to see what he wants to do. What I am hoping for is to reach a gentleman’s agreement,” he said.

“It’s always been clear between Chamakh and us. If there is a team in the big four we will look at it. But on terms that are acceptable to Bordeaux.

“It’s always tough to work out the value of a player. Sometimes the value corresponds to the number of clubs interested in him. In this case there are several.

"The moment a player says ‘I’ll go there and nowhere else’ it’s easier for Arsenal. Chamakh’s dream is to join Arsenal and that’s understandable. He’s grown up with our club, and we want to please him.”

And Triaud also revealed that he has written to Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, apologising for his comments that he would not allow Chamakh to join the Black Cats as they were not a big enough club.

“When I saw Steve Bruce’s reaction I sent him a little letter telling him that it was a misunderstanding and that we never said Sunderland wasn’t a respectable club," he said.

"We expressed ourselves badly and we apologise. It’s a matter of courtesy.”

NEWS: Bordeaux call for Chamakh conclusion
NEWS: Wenger - Chamakh talks terminated
NEWS: Chamakh angry and disgusted
NEWS: Arsenal told to stump up for Chamakh
NEWS: Chamakh makes London move
NEWS: Chamakh begs Bordeaux to let him go
NEWS: Wenger makes Chamakh contact
NEWS: Black Cats not big enough for ChamakhNEWS: Chamakh made to wait for moveNEWS: Bruce targets Chamakh talks
NEWS: Chamakh flies to Canada

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Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.