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Arsenal's hopes of signing Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh are in doubt and Arsene Wenger is lining up Carlton Cole as his next best option, according to the News of The World.

It had been assumed that Bordeaux striker Chamakh had a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners to join this summer. The 26 year-old had recently told a French newspaper, "my choice is to join Premier League and if I could choose, I will go to Arsenal."

However, according to the News of The World, the deal is now in jeopardy and the Arsenal boss is turning his attentions to West Ham striker Cole, another forward previously linked to the Gunners. Cole has suffered from injuries this season, but has still managed 9 goals in 18 games so far and has a chance of making England's World Cup squad.

26 year-old Cole would probably cost Arsenal around £12million, although should West Ham suffer relegation from the Premier League, that price could fall. Arsenal boss Wenger has been widely assumed to be looking to strengthen his attack with the likes of Eduardo and NIcklas Bendtner only impressing in spells this season.