Rafael Benítez and Liverpool rival Arsenal for Marouane Chamakh

Liverpool are prepared to rival Arsenal for the signature of the Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. Rafael Benítez will attempt to capitalise on uncertainty surrounding the Moroccan's future with an offer of a pre-contract agreement at Anfield. The 25-year-old has been linked with Arsenal since last summer although Arsène Wenger, who is awaiting news on Nicklas Bendtner's groin injury before deciding whether to sign another forward, is yet to make a firm offer for the Moroccan. That has alerted several clubs. Chamakh is out of contract with Bordeaux at the end of the season and free to sign a pre-contract deal with a foreign club this month. Liverpool are understood to be the latest Premier League side to register an interest but any move would not take place until the summer. Maxi Rodríguez is on the verge of a £1.5m move from Atlético Madrid to Anfield. Liverpool are attempting to sell Andrea Dossena, Andriy Voronin, Philipp Degen and Ryan Babel.