Will Silvestre Prevent Chamakh Joining?

Several website are reporting that Arsenal’s pursuit of Marouane Chamakh to replace Adebayor has run into trouble.  The stumbling block and this does not make sense is that Bordeaux want Silvestre as part of the deal.

 What is strange is that it was widely reported that the Moroccan striker had a £7million buyout clause.  That therefore is an open and shut case, you offer £7million and the player is yours.  End of story. 

 If Bordeaux want Silvestre as part of the deal, then where is the problem?  Arsenal currently have Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Senderos, Vermaelen and Song, all of whom can play as centre-backs.  Eboue provides cover at right-back, whilst Gibbs has proved to be a capable deputy for Clichy.   In his first season at Arsenal Silvestre did not cover himself in glory.  In fact we conceded more goals with Silvestre in the team, than when he was absent.  He was the weak link in our team.

I cannot see why Wenger will change his mind on landing Chamakh for the sake of keeping Silvestre. 

The Daily Mail website is claiming that we will look at Huntelaar, valued at £17million if the Chamakh deal falls through.  Huntelaar may be a better striker, or at least have a better reputation than Chamakh, but is Wenger really going to spend £10million more on a player just to keep a poor squad player like Silvestre?

I suspect the Huntelaar thing is something generated by the press to create a bit of intrigue in an otherwise quiet Arsenal market.  Wenger has gone on record to state that he will move for Chamakh if Adebayor leaves, so I expect the Moroccan to be an Arsenal player next week.