RAFAEL BENITEZ was forced to mask his frustration yesterday after Liverpool missed out on the signing of highly-rated Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.

The Anfield manager had pinpointed the Morocco international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, as one of the key components of his summer squad strengthening.

While Chamakh has been courted by a clutch of leading European clubs, Benitez was nevertheless convinced Liverpool were in pole position to snap up the 25-year-old.

But he has resigned himself to the player heading elsewhere, with Arsenal now clear favourites to conclude a deal with Chamakh.

“No, I don’t think we will sign him,” said Benitez. “I don’t want to say too much.”

Reports yesterday suggested Liverpool had been “fussy” and dragged their heels during contract negotiations with Chamakh’s representatives, who were eager for the player to move to Anfield.

Benitez only last month expressed his ongoing discontent at the financial restraints that are hampering attempts to bolster his squad.

The Spaniard had also previously bemoaned Liverpool’s lack of urgency in transfer talks, a situation he hoped would change with the arrival of Christian Purslow as managing director.

But it appears a failure among the Anfield hierarchy has once more cost Benitez a prime transfer target.

Liverpool will at least welcome one free transfer striker in the summer with Serbia international Milan Jovanovic arriving from Standard Liege on a three-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

Jovanovic’s representatives contacted Valencia yesterday to confirm the player had turned down the chance of a move to the Mestalla and will join Benitez’s side instead.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will look to put one over the Spaniard again this evening when third plays fourth in a pivotal Barclays Premier League encounter.

While victory in Saturday’s Merseyside derby has extended Liverpool’s unbeaten league rune to seven games, the title challenge of the Gunners has been derailed during the past fortnight by a goalless draw at Aston Villa and consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.