West Ham boss confirms interest in Arsenal’s Chamakh

By Nick Wright Friday, January 4, 2013
11:24 AM

Transfer news: Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham are hoping to bring Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh to Upton Park but insists talks have not yet taken place.

The Morrocan has not made a single Premier League appearance for Arsenal this season having fallen badly out of favour at the Emirates.

Reports suggest that West Ham have made a move for the 28-year-old, but Allardyce would not confirm whether any deal for Chamakh would be on temporary or permanent terms.

He said: “We’ve made an enquiry and that’s all we’ve done at the moment.”

The Hammers boss admits his side’s current lack of striking options makes bringing in another body up front a priority.

“From my point of view, the situation I have with Andy Carroll being injured and Modibo Maiga going to the African Cup of Nations means that at this moment in time we have Carlton Cole and that’s it, until Andy gets fit.

“So if it’s a possibility [to sign Chamakh] that might be a deal that can be done.

“We are looking at it yes as well as a number of others.

Asked if it would be a loan deal, Allardyce said: “Not sure yet. We’ll have to wait and see.”