体坛英语新闻：Arsenal obtain Morocco striker Chamakh

LONDON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal signed Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux on a free transfer on Friday on a " long-term contract" called by the Premier League club.

Liverpool had also been rumored to be interested in the 26-year- old Chamakh, who had been free to negotiate with clubs since January because he was in the last six months of his contract with Bordeaux.

That contract runs out at the end of this season, so Arsenal does not need to pay the French club a transfer fee.

Girondins Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh (R) fights for the ball with Anthony Reveillere (L) of Olympique Lyon during their French Ligue 1 soccer match at the Chaban Delmas stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France, April 17, 2010.

"He is a player we have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"Chamakh has proved he is a great player with his performances for Bordeaux and Morocco in recent seasons. Chamakh is a striker of real quality and has all the attributes suited to come to England and do very well."

Despite approaches from other clubs, Chamakh said he had been determined to join the Gunners, where he joins strikers Robin van Persie, Eduardo da Silva and Nicklas Bendtner.

Arsenal won three Premier League titles between 1998 and 2004 and four FA Cup trophies between 1998 and 2005, but has not won anything for five years. The Gunners finished third in the Premier League and are again qualified for the Champions League.

Chamakh, who scored 79 goals in 293 appearances over eight years for Bordeaux, will wear the No. 29 shirt for the Gunners and be available for preseason training in July.