By Chris Wright
It has just been officially confirmed that Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh has completed his protracted Bosman move from Ligue 1 outfit Girondins de Bordeaux to Arsenal.
Chamakh has joined the Gunners on a ‘long-term contract’ (although no specific details are available as yet) and will wear the No. 29 shirt as of next season. You can click here for a photo of the man holding said shirt aloft.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, manager Arsene Wenger has 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.”
There also quotes from Chamakh himself on the site – speaking shortly after formally completing his switch to the Emirates;
“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.”
The 26-year-old forward is now set to join up with his new teammates for pre-season training in July.
What do you reckon guys? Is Chamakh a good signing/bad signing for the Arse?