Blackburn defender Chris Samba could be on the move this summer after revealing he came close to joining Arsenal in January.
The 27-year-old put in an outstanding performance as Rovers drew 1-1 at West Ham on Saturday and was unbeatable in the air as Avram Grant fielded four strikers for the majority of the second half.
Blackburn's resistance was broken by Thomas Hitzlsperger's late 25-yard drive but there was still time for Samba to throw himself in the way of Carlton Cole's volley to deny the Hammers three vital points.
Samba has become a rock for Steve Kean's side but will consider his options at the end of the campaign after four and a half years at Ewood Park.
He said: "Everybody knows that I am an ambitious player. I am at an age now where I want to try to do something. You only have one career and it would be a shame to not make the best of it.
"I am happy at Blackburn but I will study any opportunities that come my way this year.
"I'm not trying to move away but of course I would look if it is the right thing for me.
"I think a move to Arsenal was very close in January but that is life. You have to continue.
"If it happens, it happens, but it wasn't meant to be and football is like that. I committed myself to Blackburn and will always do my best."
Samba came out on top of his personal duel with England striker Cole who twice felt he should have had a penalty after wrestling with the giant centre-half.
On both occasions Samba appeared to win the ball and he insisted such tussles were part and parcel of the game.
He said: "West Ham needed to get three points and they were playing with four or even five strikers in the second half.
"They only had one clear shot on goal which went in.
"When you are down there you try to force your destiny. You try to win a penalty and make the referee make a bad decision.
"But I stay strong and keep calm. You know when a player has taken a fall but we all play the game and we must get on with it.
"It is tough to keep focused but we defended very well and it was a good point for us."
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