Arsenal may pull back from talks for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.

The London Evening Standard says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is lining up a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, who could seal his £25million move to Manchester City today.

The Arsenal manager's first choice is Chamakh, who is entering the final year of his contract but Standard Sport understands the French club may complicate the transfer by demanding Silvestre moves the other way.

That could scupper the move as it is thought Wenger is reluctant to let Silvestre, 31, leave even though he has six centre-backs - including £10m signing Thomas Vermaelen - plus the versatile Alex Song.