Triaud unsure about Chamakh situation

The 26-year-old Moroccan revealed on Wednesday that he had recently held talks with the Gunners, Spurs and Rafael Benitez's Reds, but denied reports that he had agreed a deal to join Arsenal at the end of the season, saying:

"Some said I have signed for Arsenal. I deny it categorically. It's true there are contacts with English clubs, including Arsenal, but I deny there's a deal."

And Bordeaux boss Triaud, who fought hard to keep his prize asset away from the clutches of Arsenal and Sunderland eight months ago, has admitted it is likely that Chamakh will agree a pre-contract with someone sooner rather than later.

“It is sometimes said that there is no smoke without fire,” he told France Football.

“It seems strange that so many sources are consistent.

"He’s not told me anything... he said he wouldn’t do anything without first telling me."

Chamakh has been on the Gunners' radar since last summer when a host of other Premier League clubs were thought to be keen to secure his services.

Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger admitted that he was on the lookout for a new forward during the winter transfer window after losing the services of Robin van Persie, Eduardo, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott through injury.

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