In a week in which Cesc Fabregas’ future at Arsenal is beginning to look increasingly more uncertain, the finalisation of Marouane Chamakh’s inevitable move from Bordeaux may well go largely unnoticed. Months of speculation, exchanging of comments between the two clubs and careful insinuations from the player have resulted in a lengthy and often tedious saga of will he won’t he, and that it’s climax is set to arrive with the triggering of the Bosman ruling, one may be forgiven for not paying Arsenal’s first signing of the season that much notice. However, Marouane Chamakh’s arrival could prove to be a key signing in the months and seasons ahead, as he may well provide Arsene Wenger with a variety of extra dimensions to a style of play that has become predictable and worse still, fruitless.
Although Chamakh won’t arrive with a huge reputation and price-tag, as will be the goings-on at Eastlands this summer, he has all the promise of being an immediate hit at the Emirates. Not only does he possesses some welcome characteristics typical of a Wenger purchase, but refreshingly, he seems to offer something different, a third dimension to our often 2D play. Signing a player for pittance from the French League 1 is not uncharacteristic of a Wenger purchase, the majority of which have been unbelievable success stories in North London, yet this time he has gone for something different. Marouane Chamakh is a tall lad, 6 ft. 2 to be precise, and although indeed Nicklas Bendtner offers an adequate physical threat and old-fashioned target man outlet, his form has been sporadic throughout the last couple of seasons in which he has had enough chances to stake a claim to be Wenger’s first choice centre-forward. Although having redeemed himself, along with Eboue, from being a much maligned figure amongst the Arsenal faithful with a handful of crucial goals last season, he continues to underline the fan’s worries with regular poor touches, a lack of pace and erratic finishing. Chamakh seems to be a more refined player, with a delightful touch, clever link up play and a mature footballing brain. His goal scoring ability further proves his worth, and although 31 goals in two seasons isn’t a barnstorming total, his goals have accompanied Bordeaux’s gradual rise through the European ranks, helping them to first a Ligue 1 title and then a Champions League Quarter-Final.
Whether Chamakh will immediately slot into Arsene’s starting line-up is another debate entirely. Robin Van-Persie is unquestionably Wenger’s first choice centre forward in the 4-3-3 formation he now favours above the 4-4-2 utilised throughout much of the glory years of 1998, 2002 and 2004. Van-Persie is maturing into a world class striker, and it would be self-suicide to muse as to how our season may have ended had he not damaged ankle ligaments in November. His opening to the season, and indeed end was fantastic, slotting into the central role of Wenger’s attacking triumvirate as well as anyone could have hoped. Nevertheless, injuries continue to be a concern with him, and if Chamakh neither starts nor is deployed as either a second striker or winger, it seems he will provide apt cover if Van-Persie should fall ill to an untimely injury once again.
As for the players Chamakh will be leapfrogging in the Arsenal pecking order, his arrival may induce the unfortunate exit of Eduardo, and continued alienation of Carlos Vela. Both have been disappointing this season, but in the case of Eduardo, his demise has been unpleasant to witness. Since his horrific leg-break in 2008, all the attributes which helped him to score a succession of ‘striker’s-goals’ that season have since vanished. His anticipation, pace, finishing and, almost inevitably, bravery have all gone, leaving him an isolated and impotent figure in a tragic turn of fortunes. Although his potential departure will break most Arsenal fan’s hearts, Chamakh will step into his place, hungry to prove his worth in a demanding and scintillating division; ‘At Bordeaux I was the club’s child. At Arsenal, I won’t be a kid anymore. I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it.’
His power, strength and all-round impressive hold up play will provide an interesting variety to Arsenal’s intricate passing triangles and he will be a much-welcomed physical presence amongst a group of dainty and lightweight attacking players. His aerial prowess will also tick this box, as he boats a brilliant record of headed goals, scoring 9 in the 08/09 campaign, more than any other European player, and notably a further two in each leg of this year’s Champions League Quarter final. It is no secret Arsenal pose little aerial threat, scoring very few headers, a sum not helped by the worst cross success rate in the Premiership, and often wasting corners. Chamakh’s arrival may well be the perfect antidote to this, and his ability to offer Arsenal with a variety of attacking options may well lead to him staking an impressive claim to a starting place next season.
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