Arsenal retain interest in Chamakh

Arsene Wenger looks set to step up his interest in Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh in a bid to strengthen the Arsenal attack.

The Gunners boss has long been an admirer of the 25-year-old, who could be available for around £12million, and last month admitted he would be keen to push through a deal should Emmanuel Adebayor leave.

With the Togo hitman now, along with fellow former Gunners defender Kolo Toure, having joined Manchester City's bid to usurp Arsenal in the top four, Wenger intends to bolster his own frontline options.

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud said in today's L'Equipe: "Wenger actually phoned me. He said to me that he had a list of strikers and that Marouane was on it."

Wenger, however, maintains despite the club being some £30m up on their summer transfer dealings, having so far bought only defender Thomas Vermaelen, his squad already "are strong enough" to challenge next season.

The French manager, though, admits he could yet make more moves before the transfer window closes.

Former skipper Patrick Vieira, 33, has been linked with a return to the club he left in 2005 on a pay-as-you-play basis, while Gunners utility man Emmanuel Eboue continues to interest Fiorentina.

Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations this weekend at the Emirates Cup, which will include a game against Scottish champions Rangers.