Arsenal target Christopher Samba urges Blackburn Rovers to allow him to leave to fulfil his ambitions

Posted Friday, June 24, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Christopher Samba has spoken of his desire to make a step up and said he does not want to be involved in more relegation battles with Blackburn Rovers.

Samba has attracted interest from Arsenal and hopes that Rovers will not stand in his way if he is offered the chance to move to a bigger club.

According to skysports.com, Samba said: "For four-and-a-half years I have been at Blackburn and fought against relegation.

"If a good opportunity presents itself, I want to take it. I hope the club will understand if I want to make the step up and not prevent a deal."

Samba is contracted at Ewood Park until 2015 but has been strongly linked to Arsenal this summer after missing out on a move to the Emirates in January, while north London rivals Tottenham are also said to be interested.

Blackburn is already looking for a new center-half to replace Phil Jones after his £16 million move to Manchester United.

Samba signed for Blackburn in 2007 for £450,000 (around €500,000) from Hertha Berlin and Rovers are sure to make a large profit on that figure, as prices as high as £12 (€13.5) million have been touted.

Since moving to Ewood Park, Samba has made 169 appearances and scored 16 goals. He was appointed captain in 2010 but was removed from the position last season after handing in a transfer request.