English Premiership
Chamakh loaned to West Ham
2013-01-05 09:16
Marouane Chamakh (Getty Images)
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London - Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh has joined West Ham on loan until the end of the season after a disappointing spell with the north London club.
Chamakh has endured a frustrating time at the Emirates Stadium since his 2010 free transfer from Bordeaux and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger agreed to send him on loan to the Hammers on Friday in a bid to revitalise his career.
The 28-year-old Moroccan, who scored just 14 goals in 67 appearances for Arsenal, has not completed his move in time to make his debut in Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against Manchester United at Upton Park.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "We've signed him for the rest of the season. I think that'll be it in terms of strikers as we need to get Andy Carroll back (to fitness)."
Chamakh will compete with Carlton Cole and Ricardo Vaz Te for a place in West Ham's attack.
The Moroccan, who will be reunited with former Bordeaux team-mate Alou Diarra at Upton Park, can't wait to get started after spending much of this season consigned to occasional substitute appearances for Arsenal.
"I want to play and give my best for this team. I can bring my heading, some goals and we will see what else," he told West Ham's website.
"I didn't have opportunities to play recently, but I did well before and I know I am a very good striker.
"We played only one striker at Arsenal, so I didn't play a lot, so I hope to do so more with West Ham.
"I think this will be a very important move for me and I don't want to waste any more time. I want to contribute immediately."