Arsene Wenger made his approach during the close season, but was informed the Ivory Coast international was not for sale.

Scolari feels the Frenchman's interest in his young striker proves Kalou can be a valuable member of the Blues' squad this season, but admits he has plenty of options in the attacking department.

Intelligent

"If you ask Arsene Wenger, he wants Kalou as a centre-forward and Arsene is an intelligent man. I need to follow his idea," said the Brazilian coach.

"He wanted Kalou one, two or three months ago when we started negotiations for some players. I said no.

"You know what players I want and now you know what players Arsene wants.

"If he sees Kalou as a number nine then I must try that sometimes. But I also have (Nicolas) Anelka, (Didier) Drogba and (Franco) Di Santo."