Bordeaux deny reports Chamakh will join Arsenal

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud insists Arsenal have not made an approach for Marouane Chamakh despite suggestions he will be signed as a replacement for the injured Robin van Persie.

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Triaud celebrates last season's Ligue 1 triumph with Chamakh

Arsene Wenger is reported to be looking to sign a striker after news emerged that Van Persie could be ruled out for the rest of the current campaign. Arsenal were known to be interested in Chamakh, 25, in the summer but, after reports in England suggested they could make a fresh move in January, Triaud has moved to play down the rumours.

"I don't have any information on the subject," he told L'Equipe. "Besides, as far as we are concerned, it is out of the question.

"Marouane is a decisive player, and we have important challenges ahead in the league and the Champions League. If we fail to achieve our goals, we will lose money. Anyway, we will not do anything without [coach] Laurent Blanc's approval."

Reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Arsenal could turn to Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli.