Marouane Chamakh to replace Adebayor?

LONDON: Arsene Wenger has been linked with making a bid for Chamakh, who he regards as a well-suited replacement for the departed Emmanuel Adebayor, for much of the summer but the Frenchman will not improve his original offer of £5 million.

Bordeaux are understood to want £8 million for their striker who, with only 12 months remaining on his contract, would become a free agent next summer.

According to the Evening Standard, Chamakh's representatives have been in London this week and are confident a deal will be completed in time.

West Ham are the only other Premier League club to have been linked with making a move for the 25-year-old, but on more than one occasion, Chamakh has outlined his desire to move to the Emirates.

Meanwhile, in a bid to fill the gap left by Kolo Toure Wenger is prepared to pay £12 million for Subotic, who at 6ft 4in would be a welcome influence to Arsenal's backline. But Dortmund have said they will accept nothing short of their £18 million valuation.

Unwilling to pay over the odds for any player regardless of the money they have come into through various summer sales, Arsenal have identified Newcastle's Steven Taylor as another defensive option.

Only one more departure is expected at the Emirates after Wenger told Philippe Senderos he was free to talk with other clubs. Hull are favourites to sign the Swiss international to replace Michael Turner.