Arsenal have officially confirmed (via their club website) that Marouane Chamakh has finally joined the club on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with Ligue 1 side Girondins de Bordeaux.
The Moroccan striker has joined the Gunners on a ‘long-term’ deal (believed to be a five-year contract) that will see him wearing the no. 29 jersey at the Emirates as of next season.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, manager Arsene Wenger spoke of his joy at the acquisition of the 26-year-old forward;
“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 himself has also spoken of his relief at finally concluding his transfer to Arsenal, following months of intense speculation surrounding the deal;
“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.
Without any hesitation, Arsenal was my preferred club. The team and history of Arsenal, they make me dream. My goal was to join Arsenal out of the 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.”
After reportedly turning down approaches from Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton to join Arsenal, Chamakh will now join up with his new Emirates teammates for pre-season training in July.
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