Arsenal Football Club sign Marouane Chamakh
Arsenal is proud to announce that Marouane Chamakh, the Moroccan international striker has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract. Chamak had been on Gunners radar for a while now, and has become their first signing in what could be a very busy season for Arsenal, who have gone five seasons without any silverware and it is high time that some big names are brought to the Emirates, to rekindle hope among their fans.
Chamakh who is currently in contract with French side Bordeaux, will join Arsenal on a free transfer once his contract in France is over. There were some reports that the 26-year-old striker 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.
Arsenal’s Manager, Arsene Wenger backed him to be ''a great addition'' to the squad.
''This is a dream come true and a great joy to be joining Arsenal. My goal was always to play in the Premier League and Arsenal was the choice of my heart.'' Chamankh.
Chamakh was one of the key players in Bordeaux’s season winning campaign in 2009, and made 293 appearances, the striker scored 79 goals during his time. Chamakh played for Bodeaux for the first time as a teenager, and has with time built a reputation as one of the best strikers in Ligue 1, he also was pivotal in his team’s European journey this season which saw them reach the quarter finals of the big competition, where they lost to their domestic rivals Lyon.
Wenger who has been at the centre of a lot of criticism after another trophy less season, has been looking to strengthen the attacking side of his team, and said: ''We are delighted that Marouane Chamakh has joined us. He is a player we have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality.
''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 was born and raised in France but decided to play for the country of his parents and had got 53 caps for Morocco, while netting 27 times, and has no doubt that the English game will be a perfect fit for him.
''Without any hesitation, Arsenal was my preferred club,'' he said. ''The team and history of Arsenal, they make me dream. My goal was to join Arsenal out of all the English clubs because it is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child.
''I'm very excited about playing at Emirates Stadium in front of the Arsenal supporters. I have heard many great things about the stadium and I cannot wait to be playing there in an Arsenal shirt.
''I will give my best to this club, the club that I used to support. We have many great players at Arsenal and I will be giving everything to help the team win trophies next season.''
This is just the start of a long summer season, which may see a lot of activity at emirates at least, as the patience from fans is on the brink of boiling over, and it’s high time that promises made are finally fulfilled.
Chamakh will wear the number 29 shirt.
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