Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out an audacious move next month for Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy. On the day that one of his long-term targets, Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh, said he would not be moving to the Emirates, the Arsenal manager admitted he would like to bring in Bellamy but fears he will not succeed.

Wenger desperately needs to strengthen his forward options after losing Robin van Persie for the rest of the season because of an ankle injury. Bellamy was outstanding for City in their 3-0 victory over Wolves on Monday night, but after initial allegiance to previous manager Mark Hughes, the Welshman has recommitted himself to the club and Roberto Mancini.

When questioned about the rumours, Wenger refused to dismiss them out of hand. "I like the player but I've not done anything," he said. Asked if he is going to make a bid, he replied: "I don't think we can buy players from City." Bellamy is one of then most controversial figures in the Premier League, with a charge sheet that includes squaring up to Newcastle coach John Carver at an airport in 2004, accusing Graeme Souness, his manager at Newcastle, of lying in 2005 and swinging a golf club at Liverpool team-mate John Arne Riise in 2007. But Wenger is known to be among his admirers, the forward's determination to win and pace attracting him.