Reports: Chamakh is in London to sign contract

Various news sources were reporting yesterday that Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh was in London yesterday to put the finishing touches to his contract with Arsenal.

The 26-year-old is joining on a free transfer after being out of contract, having rejected a renewal with former club Bordeaux, who apparently offered a better deal than us.

Club president Jean-Louis Triaud said: “Had he accepted our proposal, he could have improved his contract.

“I think he was surrounded and badly misguided. I did not appreciate at all how it went. As president, I resent it.

“Personally, I owe him all my affection. He is a lovely boy. He is a warrior and a fighter. He has not cheated.

“I wish him success at Arsenal. I will see him again with pleasure.

“I have great affection and gratitude for him. He brought a lot of things at the club. But I still don’t appreciate the way he left.”

Chamakh joining Arsenal has been the worst-kept secret in football, with manager Arsène Wenger having failed in a previous transfer bid last summer, refusing to increase his offer price of €7 million for a player he could get for free, and looks like he now has.

The 26-year-old has been a regular source of goals in the French top flight over recent years and has often expressed a desire to test himself at a higher level.

Speaking last week to a French magazine, Chamakh said: “I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing.

“I love Arsenal’s game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game with (Bordeaux midfielder) Yoann Gourcuff.

“In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.

“Arsenal were not alone. There were Liverpool, Tottenham and crazy offers from Russia.

“But I was only focused on the Premier League.

“I am leaving for a new challenge. At Bordeaux I was the club’s child. In London, I won’t be a kid anymore.

“I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it.”

Wenger also admitted last week that the Moroccan could be the club’s first signing of the summer, saying only the formalities of a contract and a medical were outstanding.

Wenger added: “We have to finalise some papers and some of the medical. It’s not done yet, but it is very close.”