Chamakh desperate for move away from Ligue 1

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is already gearing up for the January transfer window by insisting that he wants a move away from French football.

The Morocco international, who bagged 13 league goals last term, was linked with several Premier League teams over the course of the summer, with both Arsenal and West Ham United interested. He was also said to be being tracked by Juventus but an asking price of £18 million put off his suitors.

It could be a decision that comes back to haunt Bordeaux as he will be able to leave on a free transfer next summer, which means there will be a real battle for his signature. However, the Ligue 1 champions may choose to cash in during the mid-season window to at least get some cash.

The 25-year-old has three goals in eight Ligue 1 appearances so far this season. He would be ineligible to play in the Champions League for another team this term, however, having already represented Bordeaux. He has failed to score a single Champions League goal in 12 appearances.

“I couldn’t move to another French club,” he told the club website. “I was tempted by an adventure at Lyon in 2005. Honestly, this situation is not conceivable any more.

“I couldn’t leave for another club in this country because I have everything here: my family, my friends. I was made here and I think there’s none better than les Girondins in France.

“We can talk about Lyon, Marseille…but if I had to leave Bordeaux, it would be for somewhere abroad.”