West Ham United and Fulham are stepping in for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh after Arsenal dropped their pursuit.

The Daily Mail says West Ham yesterday emerged as favourites to snatch Chamakh, but it is believed the bid they are preparing is actually lower than the £6m Arsenal offer laughed off as ridiculous by Bordeaux.

Fulham's bid could be more credible as Bordeaux are interested in taking Diomansy Kamara as a replacement.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson has looked at a number of striking reinforcements after showing a willingness to sell Bobby Zamora to Hull City.

Chamakh may prefer to wait for Arsenal after receiving glowing praise from Wenger and stressed his professionalism after scoring in Bordeaux's 4-1 league opener against Lens on Sunday.