Chamakh wants to join Arsenal.
He has told friends he’s coming to Arsenal.
And Wenger would like to sell Adebarndoor before he signs the stylish Morrocan striker from Bordeaux.
The Bordeaux president says what he says because he has to say that. He knows, as we all know, that the day will come when he is obliged to tell his fans : We wanted to keep the lad, but he insisted on leaving us.
The timing of football transfers often has a lot to do with regulations and tax. It was impossible for Nasri to sign for Arsenal before June 30th due to the accountancy rules which govern French football clubs.
The timing of Chamakh’s move will be subject to similar regulations.
But Marouane Chamakh will come to Arsenal, definitely.
As far as Wenger’s concerned, the sooner the better, as pre-season training is very, very important to a guy who is a physiological manager as well as a developmental manager.
As I’ve been saying, unloading Adebarndoor will not easy now. Turning down AC Milan’s offer of £23 million last summer was a colossal error and Wenger knows that.
It’s a familiar dilemma.
If he buys Chamakh now, he send a clear message to Ade : get out ! But if he does that he also sends a message to potential buyers : Wenger wants rid of Ade.
So they think : if we have to pay him stupid wages of £80,000+ a week, we’ll reduce the transfer fee. Because Ade’s ridiculous wages are Wenger’s fault.