Arsenal complete Chamakh signing
Reuters - Friday 21 May 2010, 16:45
Arsenal have signed Morocco's
26-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh on a long-term contract
from Girondins Bordeaux, the Premier League club said on Friday.
"He is a player we have
admired for some time now and I know
he will provide our squad with great quality," manager Arsene
Wenger said on the club's website.
Chamakh, who played 293 games
and scored 79 goals in eight
years with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, joins on a free transfer at
the end of his contract with Bordeaux.
He also held talks with
Liverpool and Arsenal's north London
rivals Tottenham Hotspur but set his heart on playing at The
Emirates having followed the club as a youngster.
"This is a dream come true and a
great joy to be joining
Arsenal," said Chamakh. "My goal was always to play in the
Premier League and Arsenal was the choice of my heart.
"Without any hesitation,
Arsenal was my preferred club. The
team and history of Arsenal, they make me dream.
Arsenal did not disclose the
length of the contract.
He scored 10 goals in Ligue 1
last season having netted 14
times in the previous campaign when he helped Bordeaux win the
French title ending Olympique Lyon's seven-year reign.
Born and raised in France,
Chamakh decided to play for the
country of his parents and has played 53 times for Morocco,
scoring 27 goals. He was part of the side that lost 2-1 to host
nation Tunisia in the 2004 African Nations Cup final.
Wenger added: "Chamakh has
proved he is a great player with
his performances for Bordeaux and Morocco in recent seasons and
we're all looking forward to him joining us.
"Chamakh is a striker of real
quality and has all the
attributes suited to come to England and do very well.
"He is also a fighter, not only
a good football player, but
a fighter as well. He is very good in the air and also a good
team player. He is a great addition to our squad."
Chamakh will wear the number 29
shirt.
FEATURE: How will Chamakh fit in at Arsenal?
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