Out of favour striker Marouane Chamakh is being linked with a move to Russian side Rubin Kazan.

A Kazan source told lifesports.ru, “Chamakh is very interesting to our club. He can be a great striker to provide a focal point to our attacks.”

“Work towards new acquisitions are still ongoing,” Life Sports Rubin spokesman Maxim Lopukhov said. “The primary goal is to find a forward. But in any case, I cannot give you any specific names.”

Chamakh’s agent, Pierre Frohlich is quoted too, saying of his client’s Arsenal career, “Marouane would like to continue playing in this team but if the Gunners will want to sell the rights to the player, we can talk about specifics.”

Wages would probably prove something of a stumbling block as Chamakh, signed on a free transfer, will have a signing on fee paid over the duration of his contract as well as his standard salary.

However, with the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud the likelihood of Chamakh earning a first team spot are reduced, even if Robin van Persie leaves, and the goal-shy Moroccan international will really have to consider leaving to play regularly next season.