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London - Arsenal have completed the long-awaited signing of Morocco international striker Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer from Bordeaux, the Premiership club announced on Friday.
The 26-year-old had been a long-term target for the north London side and becomes their first major signing of the summer transfer window.
Chamakh made 293 appearances and scored 79 goals during an eight-year stint with Bordeaux, winning the league and French League Cup in 2008/09.
"We are delighted that Marouane Chamakh has joined us," Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told the club's 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.
"He is very good in the air and also a good team player. He is a great addition to our squad."
Chamakh has been handed the number 29 shirt and will provide competition for Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Eduardo and Carlos Vela in the Arsenal attack.
"This is a dream come true and a great joy to be joining Arsenal," he said.
"My goal was always to play in the Premiership 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 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."
Chamakh will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training in July.
