Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has secured the signing of Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh from French side Bordeaux, the club has announced.
Chamakh had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for the past 12 months.
The 26-year-old frontman is out of contract at Bordeaux this summer and joins the Gunners as a free agent.
Chamakh, who had also been targeted by Liverpool, Spurs and Sunderland, spent eight years at Bordeaux, during which time he scored 79 goals.
Wenger said: “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.”
He said: “Without any hesitation, Arsenal was my preferred club. My goal was to join Arsenal out of all the English clubs because it is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child.
“We have many great players at Arsenal and I will be giving everything to help the team win trophies next season.”
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