Marouane Chamakh is “counting the days” until he finally becomes an Arsenal player — and intends to prove he was worth the wait. The Morocco international has been a long-term target for the Gunners, having almost moved to Emirates Stadium last summer.
However, Chamakh is now set to arrive on a free transfer, worth a reported €60,000-a-week, once his contact with Bordeaux expires.
The 26-year-old — who has 15 goals for the French club this season — will give Arsene Wenger some much-needed back-up in attack, an area of the pitch which was stretched by Robin van Persie’s five-month injury absence this term.
“I count the days, 11 short days. As time passes, it feels weird. I feel many emotions,” Chamakh told French newspaper L’Equipe.
“I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing. I love Arsenal’s game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game.
“In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.”
Chamakh had been with Bordeaux for a decade and helped them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
“For my last matches with Bordeaux I can feel a lot of emotion, but I am leaving for a new challenge,” he added.
“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.”
The forward maintained he had rejected several other offers — including north-London rivals Tottenham — to sign for the Gunners.
“There were approaches from Liverpool, Tottenham and offers of madness from Russia which were much greater than those from England, but I was focused on playing in the Premier League,” said Chamakh.
“I took a risk to stay with one year left on my contract, but I never cheated, I gave myself thoroughly.”