Chamakh set to snub Reds for Arsenal

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has revealed that he wants to join Arsenal when his contract expires this summer - effectively ending Liverpool's interest in him.

The Reds were one of the frontrunners for the Morocco international's signature but a move to North London with the Gunners appears to be too strong to resist for the 26-year-old, who admitted that he favoured a switch to the capital with Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger believed to be a keen admirer of his abilities.

He said: "I have no reason to be under pressure but, every day passing by, I am a little less a Bordeaux player.

"My choice is to join a Premier League club and, if I could choose, I will go to Arsenal. Bordeaux have brought me so much.

"I will soon clearly state things so the club can prepare to find my replacement peacefully.'

Despite his impending departure from the Stade Chaban Delmas Chamakh, who has scored 69 goals during his eight-year spell with les Girondins, was full of praise for manager Laurent Blanc after the World Cup-winning defender instilled a winning mentality in the Ligue 1 outfit.

He added: "Laurent Blanc has brought us a winning state of mind, he has taught us how to hate defeat.

"Both on mental and physical levels, I am at my best. Three years ago, I was still a little crazy. Now I can manage my efforts, which allows me to be more clear-sighted at the end of the match.

"I have improved, but I can still improve. I am not only happy to play anymore. I have become someone who wants to win.

"I am more a scorer, but not enough yet. There are too many situations where I still do a pass for a player in a better position."

Liverpool, meanwhile, are still hoping to secure Milan Jovanovic's services this summer on a Bosman transfer after he declined the opportunity to extend his time with Standard Liege.

The Serbian hitman has attracted significant interest with several of the continent's most illustrious clubs expressing interest. The Reds are expected to face a battle with Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus to bring the 29-year-old to Merseyside.

Standard Liege's vice-president Luciano D'Onofrio paid tribute to the departing striker and revealed: "Jovanovic has always given everything for our club.

"Milan, Juventus and Liverpool want him. The choice is his. I have no role in this decision "

Speaking on Friday, Rafael Benitez insisted that there had been no progress in luring Jovanovic to Anfield but that the club were monitoring developments surrounding player.

He said: "He is a player that is finishing his contract and we are monitoring the situation."

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