Chamakh still keen on England move

Daniella Matar,Press Association
Tuesday 22 September 2009 12:05 EDT
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Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has not given up on his dream to play in the Barclays Premier League.

Chamakh made no secret of his desire to cross the Channel last summer as his transfer saga rumbled on.

Arsenal had a bid for the Morocco international turned down by Les Girondins, while Sunderland and West Ham were also said to be interested.

Juventus are reportedly set to join the chase for Chamakh, whose contract expires next summer, but his mind still appears set on the prospect of moving to England.

"I'm trying to get over it," Chamakh told France Football. "It's clear that it wasn't easy. My main desire was to leave.

"I'm trying to put all this behind me.

"I never thought that I wasn't paid my true value. I never complained about that.

"When I revealed my wish to leave, people talked on my behalf, but as for myself, I was never thinking about the four great clubs in England.

"In my head I wanted simply to join the Premier League.

"I don't know if I should be unhappy that Arsenal didn't make a higher bid or because Bordeaux didn't accept their first offer."

Chamakh will be free to talk to other clubs from January and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has already hinted he might make another bid for the 25-year-old in the winter transfer window - offering a nominal fee for the striker who will be out of contract several months later.

Reports in France suggest Chamakh could consider signing a new deal with Bordeaux with a clause allowing him to leave next summer if a club offer over seven million euros.

The forward, who finished as Les Girondins' leading goalscorer last campaign and already has three to his name this season, admits he is not ruling anything out.

He added: "At the moment, of course, my desire is not to extend my contract but I paid a price to learn that it is better not to close doors.

"If a decision has to be made it will be after the Champions League group stages."

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