Arsenal target: The Gunners are expected to unveil
Chamakh at the end of the season
Maroaune Chamakh has revealed he snubbed
Liverpool and
Tottenham
to join
Arsenal on a free
transfer.
Arsene Wenger has vowed to strengthen his squad this summer with
the Bordeaux hitman expected to be his first acquisition.
And speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe, Chamakh, 26, said: '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.
'I have always loved Arsenal's football. I know I will have to
adapt, but I have experience of playing the short passing game from
working with Yoann Gourcuff.
'I count the days, 11 short days. As time passes, it feels
weird. I feel many emotions.'
Wenger was expected to sign Chamakh last summer but opted
against the move due to the hefty price Bordeaux demanded for their
player, who had just one year to run on his contract.
Bon voyage: Chamakh has scored 15 goals in 44
appearances this season
Chamakh added that it was a risk to stay with the French
club, who progressed to the last eight of the Champions League this
season, albeit a risk that was justified.
'I took a risk to stay with one year left on my contract, but I
never cheated, I gave myself thoroughly.
'(Bordeaux) offered a contract extension that was almost
impossible to refuse, financially - figures very close to those of
Arsenal'