Besiktas out of Marouane Chamakh race

Besiktas boss Samet Aybaba has denied speculation that the club will move for Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh this summer.

Chamakh, 28, joined Arsenal from Bordeaux in 2010, but has so far struggled to deal with the rigours of the Premier League.

It had been suggested that the Moroccan would join the Turkish club on loan, however, Aybaba has rejected the claims.

"We needed a defender like Escude and I think our defence will be stronger with him. We're not attempting to sign Marouane Chamakh," he told reporters.

Chamakh scored just one goal for the Gunners last season.