Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has all but confirmed that he will be joining Arsenal in the summer.
Moroccan ace looking to the future
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has all but confirmed that he will be joining Arsenal in the summer.
The 26-year-old Morocco international is out of contract at the end of the season and will reportedly move to the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer in June.
Chamakh has been with Les Girondins since 2000 and his goals helped them to the Ligue 1 title last term as well as an excellent run in the UEFA Champions League this year.
With Arsenal having problems up front this season following a serious injury to Dutch ace Robin van Persie, Wenger is thought to have moved to snap up the North African star.
Chamakh says he decided to leave the French club earlier in the year and is relishing the prospect of Premier League football.
"I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing," he told French newspaper
L'Equipe.
"I love Arsenal's game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game with (Bordeaux midfielder) Yoann Gourcuff.
"In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.
"Arsenal were not alone. There were Liverpool, Tottenham and crazy offers from Russia.
"But I was only focused on the Premier League."
Chamakh has been with Les Girondins for 10 years and, while he is looking to the future, admits he will be leaving with a heavy heart.
"For my last matches with Bordeaux I can feel a lot of emotion," he added.
"But I am leaving for a new challenge. At Bordeaux I was the club's child. In London, I won't be a kid anymore.
"I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it."
