Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Morocco international striker Marouane Chamakh on a long-term contract from Bordeaux.
Striker insists joining Arsenal was always his preferred choice
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Morocco international striker Marouane Chamakh on a long-term contract from Bordeaux.
Chamakh has long been expected to join the Gunners and will arrive at Emirates Stadium on a free transfer at the end of his Bordeaux deal.
The 26-year-old has been a consistent scorer for the 2009 French champions and will bolster Arsene Wenger's attacking options for next season.
Wenger is delighted to have wrapped up the capture of Chamakh and is confident the forward will be a success in the Premier League.
Fighter
"We are delighted that Marouane Chamakh has joined us," Wenger told the club's
official website.
"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."
Dream come true
Chamakh had been a target for several clubs across the continent, but revealed that his first choice was always to secure a move to Arsenal.
He said: "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."
