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Home›Players›Introducing Marouane Chamakh

Introducing Marouane Chamakh

By Michael Price
June 1, 2010
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I came to London and all I got was this red shirt ( (c) 2010 arsenal.com)

I figured it was time we met our newest signing – no I don’t mean the walking wounded that will be back next season and will be like “new signings.” I mean an actual new signing. You actually may have heard something about him. He used to play for Bourdeaux in the French league. His name is Marouane Chamakh. Now courtesy of Wikipedia I give you Marouane Chamakh our newest attacking option.

Full name: Marouane Chamakh
Age: 26
Height : 6’ 2”
Playing position Striker

Career Statistics:

Bourdeaux (2002-2010) 227 appearances/55 goals
Morroco (2003-2010) 53 appearances/27 goals

In 2000, at the age of 16, Chamakh accepted an offer to join the Bordeaux training academy while continuing to pursue his studies. He played 17 games and scored six goals for the club’s reserve side in Championnat de France amateur 2 before making his debut for the first team against Metz in a Coupe de la Ligue tie on 19 January 2003. His Ligue 1 debut came less than a month later, on 8 February 2003, against SC Bastia.

Despite having represented France at youth level, Chamakh made his debut for Morocco on 8 June 2003 in a African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.

His 13 Ligue 1 goals in 2008-09 helped Bordeaux to win the title, ending Lyon’s seven year domination. He scored five goals in nine appearance in the Champions League, netting against Juventus and Bayern Munich as Bordeaux caused an upset by finishing top of their group. He also scored against Olympiacos in the round of 16 to set up a quarter-final tie with Lyon. Chamakh scored in both legs of the tie, however it was not enough to prevent Bordeaux from being eliminated 3-2 on aggregate.

Chamakh’s impressive performances have seen him linked with numerous clubs during his time with Bordeaux. Lyon had a bid rejected in June 2007 and were criticised by Jean-Louis Triaud for their pursuit of the striker. His current contract expired in June 2010, meaning he was able to move under the Bosman ruling.

On May 21, 2010, Chamakh completed his move to Arsenal, which will take effect from July 1, 2010. He will wear the number 29, just as he did previously with Bordeaux.

Certainly the player has showed continuous improvement over the years. Many will argue that the league isn’t as competitive as the EPL and therefore the goal tallies should be greater or won’t equate in the league. Regardless, he has shown himself an able scorer for club and country. And while it remains to be seen if he is durable enough for the rough and tumble of the EPL – he is tall, he is has great positional awareness and he can get in the air for headers.

Those of us that watched more than our own favourite team in the Champion’s League will know that in addition to Yohann Gourcuff, he was the bright spot on Bourdeaux.
What remains to be seen is whether or not Chamakh marks the start of other signings or just like last year will be one signing that is passed off as our attempt at progress over the previous year.
Also the wagers begin now on exactly when and if he will be our only striker available as Robin Van Persie and the wonder Dane, Nicky B, suffer their inevitable injuries in the middle of the 2010/2011 campaign.

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81 comments

  1. OziKenyan 8 June, 2010 at 08:07 Log in to Reply

    Agree with Josh on Argentina. Don’t see them holding up till the end in spite of having what I think is probably the best strikeforce the WC has seen in… Since I was born anyway. Messi, Milito, Higuain, Tevez, Aguero.. who have I forgotten?? Outstanding. They also have creativity in midfield and a good anchor in captain Mascherano. Meh.. Let’s see. Like Andez says, anything anyone predicts, is going to be a longshot.

    I’m going to be rooting for the Oranje to win. Always supported them (other than a brief period of time when Van Horseface played for them). Everyone is pointing at their defence, but unless I’m mistaken they had the tightest defence in qualifying. Not that that necessarily translates to the finals but it should count for something. And fact of the matter is, they have SO much possession, play as a team so so well. And in Robben, RVP, Van Der Vaart, Sneijder they well have the capability to unlock any defence.

    Talking of defence, even though their warmup games have put some doubt in my mind, on paper I thought the Serbs had a really strong defence. If their gameplan is geared towards defence I can see them being the surprise package of the tournament – Ivanovic, Vidic, Subotic, Kolarov… Plus people go on about English fighting mentality but the Serbs take no passengers. Should be interesting.

    Also I’m hoping one of the African teams makes it far. Injuries have massacred the Ghana midfield though, Cameroon has in house problems and IC, the most talented of the lot have the Drogba injury. I don’t like him but I really hope he comes back and an African team makes it far (semis at least). The Ivorians by far have the best shout in spite of a tough group.

    Lastly, I’m hoping that Spain does kinda well. Not for any other reason than me travelling there in a couple of weeks and watching the second half of the WC from Spain. Should make the atmosphere that much more livelier.

  2. nipuna 8 June, 2010 at 03:01 Log in to Reply

    Rafa screws up the Pool and lands up the hot job at treble winners Inter !

  3. joshuad 8 June, 2010 at 02:03 Log in to Reply

    Argentina won’t win the World Cup because their defense is suspect. Demichelis or however you spell his name, is one of the reasons why. Not only that but Maradona’s left out the experience of Cambiasso and Zanetti. Really? Is Argentina so deep that two guys who just won the Champions League last month can’t help him in the World Cup this month? Maradona must still be using dope. The most telling factor is when a game is tough, he won’t have the experience to make the right tactical decisions. He’s got no experience at doing that as a player or a coach. Brilliant technical players never make good managers because they’re used to relying on their technical brilliance to win games. That’s why Dunga would mop the floor with Maradona.

    • Fred 8 June, 2010 at 10:50 Log in to Reply

      I agree Dunga will mop the floor with Maradona tactically.

      However I dont think technically brilliant coaches make poor coaches … it depends on what type of player you are. Brilliant players who are more “static” actually make pretty good coaches. I think the likes of Fabregas, Pirlo, Xavi, Iniesta, etc, would make good coaches because they are relatively static from a mobility point of view and their brilliance pretty much depends on their vision and their ability to “see” and map out the entire pitch. That translates very well when moving into a managerial role.

      Players that rely on getting past other players by dribbling or speed, etc are the ones who would really struggle, because for them when things get tough, they just use their physical or dribbling superiority to get by. I think C. Ronaldo, Rooney, Messi and quite a number of players fall in that category.

      Needless to say players like Diaby and Walcott will make moronic managers.

      Ironically, a completely useless player like our very own Denilson might actually make a very decent manager.

  4. ChicagoGooner 7 June, 2010 at 21:07 Log in to Reply

    I long for the dream final: Spain vs. Holland. One can dream…

  5. Kiwi 7 June, 2010 at 18:33 Log in to Reply

    Speaking of class, or lack of…. I see Yaya Toure’s agent quoted as suggesting Yaya may NOW want to come to Arsenal. Apparently money-bags ManCity aren’t acting as anticipated and so he seems to be wanting to reopen the door to Arsenal that he’d only recently shut rudely in our faces. These guys are extreme mercenaries. You can guarantee that if he signed with us, after a season he’d be hawking himself about to other buyers. I don’t believe Wenger would buy him, there’s too much history and related-party baggage, add to that his inability to stay at a club for more than 2 years. If you buy a guy like Yaya there has to be no sentiment, no delusion of loyalty, he’s like Diarra, it’s all about him.

    So…. you assess his utility, if he is what you need for a couple of years fine, but you go in with your eyes open.

    • arsesession 7 June, 2010 at 22:27 Log in to Reply

      Well said, and good analogy to diarra!

    • joshuad 8 June, 2010 at 01:57 Log in to Reply

      Very true. He’s only like 26 and he’s already looking to secure a move to like his fifth club. Crazy. Diarra has also played for four teams in four years.

  6. Andez 7 June, 2010 at 16:05 Log in to Reply

    Paul Scholes on his decision to reject the England call up (out of retirement):

    “It wasn’t a case of wanting to go on holiday – it was the fact that I got the call so close to the tournament, and also I didn’t want to take the place of someone who helped get England to South Africa. The idea just didn’t sit comfortably with me.”

    Pure class. Unlike the other one at Liverpool….

  7. Andez 7 June, 2010 at 11:34 Log in to Reply

    It will be a real test for Messi if he ever wants to be really compared to Maradona.

    Back in 86, Maradona probably had one of the weakest supporting cast Argentina had ever produced. It’s difficult to remember any “name” from that squad. Cos there was basically no big name player apart from Maradona. He led them to World Cup glory regardlessly.

    Messi, on the other hand, has one of the strongest supporting cast Argentina have produced in the past one or two decades. On paper at least. If he can’t lead them to win the WC, then let’s wait another 4 years before mentioning Messi and Maradona in a same sentence.

    Anyway, we are long overdue for a good World Cup. The standard of play in the past few WCs had been pretty awful. Especially last WC, probably the dullest I ever witnessed.

    The best tournament I ever seen has to be EURO 2000, lot of goals, lot of drama, and lot of teams playing attacking football. Even the final itself ended with a dramatic fashion. hopefully we will be seeing something similar in this WC.

    • Fred 7 June, 2010 at 12:51 Log in to Reply

      The quality of the Champions League right now is several times HIGHER than the World Cup in 1986 … so it is a bit odd saying if Messi cant drag his poor team he is not comparable to Maradona.

      It was much easier to win a world cup back then. The vast majority of the worlds best players didnt even play in world cups.

      On the other hand the vast majority of the very best players play in the Champions League.

      I think Messi is at least the equivalent of Maradona if not better.

      He is also not a crazy, drug-addict like Diego.

    • CaribKid 7 June, 2010 at 13:11 Log in to Reply

      On paper, Argentina and Spain probably has the best squad of in form players. However, Argentina will suffer from Maradonitis and will slink out in the quarters unless Messi carries this team on his back. Spain lacks true defensive grit and this may well be their undoing as defense plays a big part in WC (Italy and Germany confirms that).

      Holland has the horses, and like Spain has a suspect defense and could easily implode. Although I’m a confirmed Brazil fan I would love to see Holland take the cup and expunge the notion of being the best team never to win a WC.

      Germany has no in form strikers as Podolski and Klose have struggled all season and with Ballack out they may limp weakly out of the competition.

      Brazil is an enigma, they keep winning although Dunga has taken the Jugo Bonito out of the squad and left Pato and Ronaldinho at home. For the first time in WC history Brazil does not have a duo of top strikers at their disposal and their hopes will center around the creativity of Kaka who is working himself back to form after an injury plagued season.

      None of the top teams overwhelm me as they all have weaknesses which can be exploited but I also don’t see many other teams with the nous to create major upsets after the qualifying rounds.

      Speaking of round, the new ball could have a significant role in determining the winner and teams with the best GK’s like Brazil and Spain may have an advantage there.

      Based on all factors, I have to go with the boys from Brazil.

  8. nipuna 7 June, 2010 at 09:47 Log in to Reply

    My plan is to watch every WC game. Except the early kick offs on week days when I will be in office.

    I know that many of the group games are boring and meaningless but I will most likely be in front of the television, even though I might be working on my laptop. I will most definitely be logged into GDC.

    Hope to see you folks there!

    And yes, I will be cheering USA over England and Italy, maybe even against France, but not against Spain, Holland, Brazil, Germany or Argentina. :)

  9. nipuna 7 June, 2010 at 09:38 Log in to Reply

    I’ve never supported England in any international tournament.

    Simple reason – hype way beyond their talent and skill.

    This year is no different.

    Argentina? I think they are a bit like Arsenal – great attacking talent but severely lacking in defense and mental strength. I tipped them in 2006 and look what they did. Destroyed Serbia but cracked against an average Germany. With Maradona at the helm, I have no doubts that the same will repeat.

    My tip is Brazil. Got to admire Dunga. The way he has molded this team despite the pressures is amazing. We all talk about how he chooses Gilberto over Denilson. That, quite frankly, is a no brainer. But to drop Ronaldinho and based your attack on Luis Fabiano – now that takes courage. And how well it has worked. Also, Brazil has now got a great keeper and a great defense. When have you ever said that of Brazil ???

  10. Fred 7 June, 2010 at 09:35 Log in to Reply

    PS: The whole talk of Fabregas buying himself out (via Webster rule) is utter bullocks and shows a complete lack of understanding by the low IQ press who spread the nonsense.

    Yes, you can buy yourself out of a contract after three years of last signing BUT the club you join can NOT pay you back that amount in any form (either by signing fees, wages, etc.) Wages can be enforced by looking at the highest salaries in the market and at the destination club.

    Except you can buy yourself out for less than 1 or 2 million its pretty much a loss for the player.

    So NO… Fabregas wont spend 30 million pounds of his OWN money to leave Arsenal – thats even if he has up to that amount, which I doubt. No top player will.

  11. Andez 7 June, 2010 at 07:45 Log in to Reply

    Over the years, I have often come across comments from English fans suggesting fans across the pond to stick to their baseball. They know nothing about football.

    I hope the US team will stick one up England’s aSS in the up coming World Cup.

    For the past 20+ years, I only rightly predicted the champions of a major tournament twice – Argentina back in 86, and Spain in EURO 2008. Wrong about every other tournaments.

    Tough to predict the champs. This WC though, I got a funny feeling Argentina will win it.

    Yes they got a crap qualification campaign. But so did Brazil back in 2002.

    One thing though, Argentina are extremely blessed with individual talents. Look at their attacking players…. Arguably one of the best cast they ever had in the past 20 years.

    I predicted Spain to win Euro 2008, because first they got a great depth of talent. Secondly, because everyone was saying they couldn’t hold their nerve in major tournament. law of average says sooner or later they are going to define the odd. And they did.

    but now they are the Euro champs heading into the WC,and being one of the hot favourites to win it. And that’s exactly why i don’t think they will win it. Playing as an underdog and as a hot favourite can make a big difference. And the Spanish aren’t exactly blessed with a steel of nerve.

    I think England will head into the tournament as the team with most supporters outside of their own country. Simply because the popularity of EPL worldwide. but at the same time I believe they are also the team most people love to hate. The hype, the poor image of individual player portrayed by their own press. And anyone who’s not a Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool, Spurs fans would not want them to do well.

    The omission of Theo now gives me 100% reason to want them to fail.

    So I’m going to support any team that takes on England in the coming WC.

  12. stag133 5 June, 2010 at 23:15 Log in to Reply

    I just read that Joe Cole is definitely NOT coming
    to Arsenal OR United…
    and that he will decide between Tottenham and City… post WC.

    AND

    That he is LIKELY to sign for Arsenal after the World Cup (Daily Mail!)

    that’s awesome. both ways!

    AND

    We are signing Schwarzer for 3 Million.

    Good Stuff cheap!
    We’re like Building 19.

    Free or cheap.

    • Fred 7 June, 2010 at 09:22 Log in to Reply

      … if the tabloids trying to sell papers for a living say it then it must be true ….

      surely you cant be that brainless.

  13. DaAdminGooner 5 June, 2010 at 13:11 Log in to Reply

    Transfer target gone – Jerome Boateng signed with Man Shitty this morning. http://bit.ly/a1eHth

    • stag133 5 June, 2010 at 13:33 Log in to Reply

      that’s because some teams are about ACTION, and some are about the illusion of…

    • OziKenyan 6 June, 2010 at 00:11 Log in to Reply

      I thought that was done a long time ago?

  14. ChicagoGooner 5 June, 2010 at 12:02 Log in to Reply

    I heard there is an outside shot Drogba could play. It’s too bad, I really wanted IC to make it out of that group.

    On a related note, maybe Arsenal aren’t the only top club with poor physios: Drogba, Essien, Ballack all out of the WC. (Tho the first one isn’t really their fault.)

    • CaribKid 5 June, 2010 at 15:26 Log in to Reply

      All of those injuries mentioned were due to contact. Physios can’t help that, they can only prescribe treatment based on the injury.

    • OziKenyan 6 June, 2010 at 00:19 Log in to Reply

      Yea same.. Hve bets on drogba, VP and Etoo finishing top scorer. One can get hurt whilst stepping out the shower, one’s a doubt, the other doesnt get along with his teammates.

  15. nipuna 5 June, 2010 at 10:11 Log in to Reply

    The other funny rumor is Harry to Pool.

    Now would that surprise anyone? Not me.

    This is a guy who has promptly jumped ship when a better opportunity has come along. Wonder how Spurs fans feel.

    CL qualification is not good enough?

  16. nipuna 5 June, 2010 at 08:18 Log in to Reply

    Sven to Pool, now that would be fun, wouldn’t it?

  17. US Gunner 4 June, 2010 at 20:01 Log in to Reply

    I don’t think Arsene would keep him against his will. The conversation would be more along the lines of Arsenal giving Cesc his chance to break out and Arsene asking Cesc to give the team one more chance to put it all together. He would argue that we were only a few pieces/injuries away and that we are going to fill the holes. He’d probably add that Cesc can be the face of our resurgence rather than a Barca role player, that the Gunner fans love him, that he’s young and Barca’s not going anywhere, etc. Maybe the arguments wouldn’t work, but Cesc has shown to be very loyal in the past and Arsene has proven to be very persuasive in the past, so I can see it happening that he stays.

    Whether Cesc stays or goes, this situation and our recent run of results do put Arsene’s back against the wall a bit. He can no longer wait for certain players to come good. He has got to make some changes and shake things up a bit.

    • stag133 5 June, 2010 at 13:27 Log in to Reply

      why does Wenger have to do anything?
      his aim/goal is Top 4, as is the boards.

      If the players wants to go, and the club he wants to go to… wants him, there is NO sense forcing the player to stay.

      Cesc is not going to believe Wenger will “fill the holes” in our team.
      The season ended weeks ago, he signed Chamakh on a free, that was done way back.
      He could address the issues QUICKLY, and show Cesc the plan, but he hasn’t. He’s doing what he usually does, smoke and mirrors.

  18. US Gunner 4 June, 2010 at 18:41 Log in to Reply

    Looks like Yaya is off to England. Not sure which club yet: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/03/yaya-toure-barcelona

    I don’t think Cesc will leave this summer. That decision won’t be a result of the money being offered. Rather, Arsene isn’t ready to let him go yet will find a way to keep our captain here one more year.

    I’m not ecstatic with the idea of Green in goal, but it is better than what we have and would be better than Schwarzer. Although, neither is top class in my opinion. It’d never happen, but I’d like to see Tim Howard become Arsenal’s first big time US player.

    While I’m sure this is also just another silly season rumor, I do really like the idea of Parker coming in. His injury record is not great, but he’s got good experience and some of that revered English attitude. He’s also always been a bit on the fringe of the national team player pool being good enough to play, but not quite fitting in. Arsenal’s alternative culture might be a good fit, and he would be a good foil for Cesc – similar to Flamini.

    • stag133 4 June, 2010 at 18:54 Log in to Reply

      If Cesc truly wants out, Wenger will sell him.
      If he is “allegedly” looking at ways to buy out of the contract, he does not want to be with the club.
      Why would you want to keep him at Arsenal if he doesn’t want to play for us?
      Do you think he’ll give full effort? He’ll definitely be resentful… and he won’t risk injury at all knowing we don’t care what he wants.

      I want to see Cesc say “I want to stay at Arsenal”…
      If he doesn’t … SELL HIM.
      Get a good price, and move on.

      • jroybower 5 June, 2010 at 11:20 Log in to Reply

        I’m not sure I totally agree with this. If Cesc wants to go, and Barca don’t match our valuation, we don’t sell him. If Cesc is pissed about that, ok you can play for the reserves. Yup we pay him to sit. We pay people who are injured, so what’s the difference?

        It’s about an attitude adjustment. We pay you to play for us, we didn’t force you to sign a contract. So either love your job or we’ll let you rot during the prime of your career.

        • stag133 5 June, 2010 at 13:32

          jroy.

          how productive is that for Arsenal?

          we piss off the player, so he will NEVER play for us again…

          we show the other players that we don’t give a shit about them…

          attitude adjustment?
          Cesc has been the MODEL player for Arsenal.
          He has played 7 years for the club, and given everything he’s had.
          He has always stated he wants to go back to Barcelona at some point.
          Cesc has done NOTHING wrong in this situation.

          No. You don’t force players into anything.
          He can BUY HIMSELF out of his contract with the Webster Rule, from what I’ve read.

          You get a fair price, and you move on. He’s NOT bigger than the team.

        • jroybower 5 June, 2010 at 17:29

          I guess that’s my point, he’s NOT bigger than the team. If we don’t get what we think is fair and end up selling for “cheap” (all things are relative…) we are saying he IS bigger than the team and that any player can hold a club ransom to their demands. Of course it is a two way street and you’d like things to be good for club and player.

          I would totally agree that he has been a model player and he is by far my favorite Arsenal player. Perhaps why I don’t want to see him go :).

          He could buy himself out I suppose. I guess the calculus for the club is how much is that versus selling him outright and what will make the most profit for the club…

        • stag133 5 June, 2010 at 23:13

          oh, they will get the MOST profit for the club, no doubt about it.

          I think I read his buyout would be 28 Million.

          Surely we’d get more than that in the sale.
          AND, we’d piss off Cesc, and other players in the team, knowing that we just tried to SCREW with our Captain, who gave his all for 7 years.

          I don’t want to see him go either, but its pretty apparent he wants to go.

          If he doesn’t want to be here,
          SEE YA.
          Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.

          We want fully committed players, who WANT to be at Arsenal. Anyone else can feck-off.

  19. stag133 4 June, 2010 at 15:40 Log in to Reply

    Bordeaux deny Gorcuff to join Arsenal.

    (paraphrasing)
    Their director said… I just read Cesc is joining Barcelona,
    and Arsenal said they are not interested in selling Cesc.

    So, why should I address Gorcuff joining Arsenal, we’ve received
    no bid and aren’t interested in selling the player.

    Silly season, its magic!

  20. joshuad 4 June, 2010 at 13:58 Log in to Reply

    Boys, you gotta see this picture of Ronaldo.

    http://thehonestgooner.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/eboue-and-ronaldo/

  21. stag133 4 June, 2010 at 12:48 Log in to Reply

    DROGBA out of WC with a broken arm.

    RIO FERDINAND out of WC with knee injury.

    devestating for the Ivory Coast.

    • nipuna 4 June, 2010 at 13:46 Log in to Reply

      But good for ManU and Chelsea.

      • stag133 4 June, 2010 at 15:35 Log in to Reply

        I guess in some respect… its good for the club teams, but Rio’s injury could affect United.

        Drogba?
        put the hard cast on and play!
        ;)

  22. nipuna 4 June, 2010 at 02:53 Log in to Reply

    The Koscielny story is an interesting. Could be yet another rumour, but has all the ingredients of a typical Arsene signing – unknown, young and reasonable fee.

    If we do sign him, I hope he is much better the our previous CB signing from the French league. :)

    • stag133 4 June, 2010 at 11:49 Log in to Reply

      you mean Gallas?
      yeah, he’ll be better than him, I think this guy plays full seasons!
      ;)

      seriously, yes… gotta be better than Super Phil Senderos!
      (though I think Sendy was player of the year in France!)

      • nipuna 4 June, 2010 at 13:45 Log in to Reply

        Gallas was signed from the French league?

        I meant Cygan.

        And no, Sendy was not player of the year in France.

        That was also Cygan.

        • stag133 4 June, 2010 at 15:36

          Yes, of course.
          I apologize.
          Senderos was the Swiss Tony Adams.

          I meant Cygan and yes, he WAS the Player of the Year in France, somehow!
          LOL

  23. stag133 3 June, 2010 at 23:16 Log in to Reply

    Arsenal bid for Lorient defender Koscielny… rejected at 4mil.
    Apparently we are to offer 7mill and Coquelin and Traore on loan.

    Looks like we’re going French again. He’d replace Gallas.

    I like it. Go for it now Arsene.

    and…
    Stay Classy Liverpool!
    They’re burning American flags in protest of Benitez leaving
    and disliking their American owners!
    That’ll solve the problems!!!

  24. joshuad 3 June, 2010 at 13:51 Log in to Reply

    I’m really anxious to see if Wenger decides to revert back to the 4-4-2, now that he’s got his guy. With Chamakh and van Persie, I think it would be a waste no to. With both these players coming into their prime, they will prove a joy to watch and a menace for defenders to cope with. I think they will look to support and create for one another. Cesc will be at his brilliant best and Nasri will look to get involved in the beautiful football that could come from their presence.

    Chamakh has many qualities that Adebayor gave Arsenal; only better. It remains to be seen if he has the power that Ade does, but he’s got the speed and jumping ability. He’s not afraid to put his head in. He’ll get his headers from Sagna’s crosses more than anyone else.

    Chamakh is a typical “Highbury” Wenger signing. He’s a player in his mid-twenties, near his prime, and at a very descent price. Pires, Wiltord, Edu, Lauren, Rosicky, Sylvinho, Campbell, Gallas, Hleb, Overmars, Petit, etc. all follow the same mold; talented yet experienced. We’ll see if he finds success at Arsenal.

    • stag133 3 June, 2010 at 14:01 Log in to Reply

      he hasn’t played a game, but he is better than Adebayor?
      Let’s let him kick a ball for us.

      and… Cesc will be at his brilliant best, just not for Arsenal.
      ;)

      • Fred 4 June, 2010 at 22:39 Log in to Reply

        are you a retard or is your english comprehension just extremely poor?

        at what point was it mentioned in the above comment that chamakh is better than adebayor??

  25. stag133 3 June, 2010 at 13:12 Log in to Reply

    Rafa is gone from Liverpool.
    Who is following?
    Gerrard? Torres? Benayoun?

    It will be an interesting Summer for Liverpool.
    They need a solid manager in, and fast… and to determine
    their immediate direction.

    They got 7th WITH Gerrard and Torres.
    If they can get big bucks for them, AND be able to spend those
    bucks to re-load their team some, … my opinion is that’s how you go.

    Arsenal are now linked with 30 year old
    Robert Green of West Ham. (approx. 6 Million)
    I think that would be a very good and shrewd buy.
    He is much better than what we have, and is not going to cost
    us crazy money…

    Also linked to Micah Richards.
    Why not bring Kolo back, sell Cesc to Barcelona for cash and Yaya?!
    ;)

    Love the silly season.

    • joshuad 3 June, 2010 at 13:53 Log in to Reply

      Green is garbage; another Paul Robinson.

      • stag133 3 June, 2010 at 14:02 Log in to Reply

        twice the keeper Almunia and Flapianski are…
        COMBINED.

        easy way to improve the club at a very reasonable price.

        you must not watch West Ham much, if you classify him as “garbage”.

        and Robinson is probably better than what we have as well.

    • Fred 4 June, 2010 at 22:40 Log in to Reply

      Green is garbage. Worse than Robinson.

      And ANY keeper is better than Al/Fab.

      We can get a really good keeper for that price.

  26. seattle gooner 3 June, 2010 at 11:26 Log in to Reply

    Hopefully Chamakh’s talent is inverse in proportion to his godawful hairdut. I didn’t see much of him at Bordeaux, but I watched the CL games against Lyon and he was a monster – constantly in the middle of every attack and scored both Bordeaux goals in the tie.

  27. HighburyterraceSteve 3 June, 2010 at 11:11 Log in to Reply

    DAG, Thanks for trying to get folks interested in our new signing….I’m surprised nobody mentioned that Chamakh looked good last season and thus would have been a useful signing in the last window (or last summer) if, of course, we weren’t so cheap….

    To me, the little I saw, Chamakh looks quick, aggressive and certainly likes to get his head onto the ball (as if to punish what has to be one of the worst haircuts ever seen in European football). Was it Chamakh who made Gorcuff look good, or visa-versa? If we bought the latter, we could observe more closely and decide for ourselves….

    Joke Hole to Arsenal? Rumors seem to be fading, but he could take his place amongst the other crocks (Rosicky, Ramsey) as Cesc’s (and Arshavin’s?) back-up/successor. And it looks like we’re at least bidding on Central Defenders (Laurent Koscielny)….Less than ten days to the World Cup and we wanted to conclude all our transfer business by then. Hmmm…. (If nothing’s gonna happen re: transfers then maybe it is time to declare our favorites, fill out brackets, etc.)

    Finally, On Theo’s getting the axe…At least now I can wholeheartedly root against England in South Africa. Whoever said (above) that if he can’t really make our (injury ravaged) squad, then why should he make England’s has a fine point, as do those that say Capello actually showed some reasonable heuvos/cajones in cutting him. Hopefully he works a bit harder and this toughens him up a bit (the tattoos alone didn’t do the trick)….

    • stag133 3 June, 2010 at 13:08 Log in to Reply

      Chamakh is pretty good… but will take a bit of time to settle in England, and it will be more physical than he’s used to.

      Good signing, especially because he was FREE, and we love FREE.

      Joe Cole would be nice, but, why would he come to Arsenal over United?
      (oh, he’s FREE, we like that)

  28. Andez 3 June, 2010 at 03:43 Log in to Reply

    The Fabregasaga is simple – if Barcelona wants him, sure we will sell to them. Just… SHOW US THE MONEY.

    If they think by unsettling the player with all those public tap up all season long is going to force Arsenal’s hand to sell our best player with a discount price… they should just psssssssssssss off and fcuk themselves.

    • HighburyterraceSteve 3 June, 2010 at 10:46 Log in to Reply

      Fabregas-Aga…I like it…(How you been Andy? Tough times for the Kool-aid Brigade these days…)

      Seems like Arsenal have rebuffed Barca’s first offer with some degree of resolve….

      Personally (at the moment) I think the table is set for Cesc to play a final season for us, while we groom his successor.(I–along with my wife, who thinks he’s hunky–would LOVE to see us sign Gorcuff, but we just extended/improved Ramsey’s contract, so maybe it’ll be rotating crocks, i.e., Rosicky too, as Cesc’s back-up)

      It should be noted that Cesc’s publicly stated “demands” for a transfer have been very muted, while his lip service about Arsenal and AW and great conversations and more love than his family gave hime, etc., have left him plenty of “wiggle-room.”

      I also think that unless Spain win the WC AND Cesc plays a leading role (i.e., at least one if not more of Xavi, Iniesta or Silva go down to injury) his value will go down to around what Barca are currently offering. A further season of play, a bit more (Spanish) success tilting towards Real Madrid and a deal NEXT summer seems best for all parties….

      Now, how I feel about Arsenal keeping players warm for the REALLY big teams….that’s another story entirely….

    • stag133 3 June, 2010 at 13:05 Log in to Reply

      Barcelona WILL show us the money, and we will take it.

      You don’t start a negotiation with your BEST OFFER. So you have to believe Barca started with a low bid.

      If Cesc is reportedly looking at the “Webster Rule” to buy himself out of Arsenal, then we need to SELL HIM, before his value deteriorates.

      Sorry Steve. He isn’t going to be here this season. No matter how much you or I want him to be.

      If he wants to go, then get a good price, and be done with it. How much effort and how much pain and risk will he go thru if he knows he’s leaving for Barcelona next year?
      He has a slight knock… oh, well… I’ll rest. No use risking serious injury when I am off to Barca next year.
      Playing Bolton? I think I’ll sit, I have the flu, I don’t want to risk a chop tackle against this team.

      Get the money. Move on. Attempt (or wink wink, try) to get in someone to make the club better.

  29. nipuna 3 June, 2010 at 01:04 Log in to Reply

    The Sicky vs Nasri debate is a bit moot, IMHO. Neither player is leaving. :)

    The only player to be possibly sold will be Dudu (not counting free transfers like Gallas, etc.).

    The only player coming in will be a centre back (post Chamakh).

    If Cesc leaves, we may see a direct replacement signed.

    There is no reason to believe that anything else will happen. All this “I am sure Arsene will sign 3/4 players” has absolutely no basis. Every summer, he promises but does not deliver. At the same time, you can rest assured that 2/3 teenagers will be signed.

    • stag133 3 June, 2010 at 13:00 Log in to Reply

      I agree that neither Nasri or Rosicky are likely going anywhere…

      but what basis do you have for Eduardo leaving?
      Wenger likes him, not much mention of him looking to leave or being shopped.

      You say “the only …”
      We both know Cesc is going to be sold.
      So, accept it.
      He’s actually looking at invoking the “Webster Rule”, where he can buy himself out of a contract…
      If he is looking at that, he doesn’t want to be at the club, and we will eventually sell him for a decent price.

      A direct replacement for Cesc? There isn’t one… and we’ll likely keep the cash, as Wenger will say, no special players were available, I didn’t have time.

      But we will make a killing on Cesc, and the profits will soar… debts will drop.

  30. stag133 2 June, 2010 at 23:33 Log in to Reply

    Chamakh appears to have a little mohawk thing going on…
    maybe they can get him to dye it red, and he can become
    our new Freddie Ljungberg!
    :)

  31. Kiwi 2 June, 2010 at 21:26 Log in to Reply

    No surprise to me that Walcott is out of the WC squad.
    The mass hysteria regarding this player should be framed – it’s unbelievable. Waddle’s latest comments are bang on the money for me. Theo Walcott is not an Arsenal regular even in a poor Arsenal squad a squad that is still very much a WIP. So why was he hailed an England star? Pure hype without substance. Capello showed he is astute, strategic and battle hardened – he wants to win not placate the public or the press. No waffle talk of values – just a burning desire to create a winning team from what is available.

    • stag133 2 June, 2010 at 22:18 Log in to Reply

      while I don’t think he deserves to be included in the team, based on how he’s played and how much he’s played…

      he’s been injured every season, which slows his level of play, and he won’t hit his “prime” for about 3 or 4 years…

      personally, I’d love to see Theo mature a bit, gain a bit of weight/muscle… and go injury free for most of a season.
      I think he’d be a pretty good player.

      A “Star”?
      who knows, but he could be productive. There is some talent there, no doubt.
      Its a matter of consistency.

  32. ChicagoGooner 2 June, 2010 at 14:14 Log in to Reply

    Anyone else entering a World Cup pool? I’m trying to make my picks, and I have to say that Group A seems by far the hardest to forecast. I can’t tell for the life of me how good or bad any of those teams will do.

    • stag133 2 June, 2010 at 17:50 Log in to Reply

      I did the brackets on ESPN. Where is the pool you are involved in?
      Maybe we should have a YAMA pool somewhere?

      There are usually upsets and dissapointing teams.
      There are a few teams that I think are can’t miss to make the Final 4.
      Definitely like Spain. That’s why they are favorites. They are loaded!

  33. CaribKid 2 June, 2010 at 13:09 Log in to Reply

    @stagg in response to the previous thread

    Both Rosicky and RVP’s injuries have been misdiagnosed in the past and therefore the treatment specified was incorrect.

    Google Rosicky and RVP and you will find it well documented.

    Eduardo was initially treated in Brazil where his healing went beyond expectations. Upon coming back to Arsenal he suffered not 1 but 2 setbacks before he even got on the pitch. You can Google that too.

    Non contact injuries are basically a result of improper training and or diet. each player is somewhat different and based on their physical age (not age in years) need to be treated differently.

    The Denver Nuggets brought in an Australian cobber (trainer/nutritionist) and within 1 year non-contact injuries were reduced by over 50%. Basketball, like Football, requires stamina, flexibility and “long” muscles which provide both speed and power. The Aussie stopped all free weight sessions, added some fat in their diet (stamina) and used rubber bands and resistance training to build strength.

    Arsenal has an unusually high rate of non-contact injuries and extended recuperation time in relation to other clubs. This was stated by Arsene himself earlier on this season and he went on to say that they could not find a reason for this.

    They are now bringing in a GPS aided system to track players to better aid in diagnostics and training regimen.

    As to the reason why the medical staff has not been axed, is the same reason why we still have Fabianski, Silvestre, Denilson, Eduardo and Almunia on the team. LOYALTY!

    When our Physio Lewin went to the English national team, who did we get? No one else but his son. GO FIGURE!!

    • stag133 2 June, 2010 at 17:48 Log in to Reply

      For a team that is supposed to be so advanced in terms of training, facilities, etc… with Wenger allegedly revolutionizing Arsenal when he came in with nutrition & training, I find it hard to believe that it would be acceptable for Arsenal’s medical / training staff to be given a free pass to screw up regularly.

      If a player gets misdiagnosed and mis-treated in terms of injuries, why would he continue to get treatment from the team?
      If it affects his career, he could sue the team…

      I don’t believe its “LOYALTY”. It undermines the team and the investment in the Arsenal Football Club to have a medical staff and/or training staff that is not competent. I do not believe they’d still be employed.

      Reading something on the internet is not always accurate documentation.

      • CaribKid 2 June, 2010 at 18:52 Log in to Reply

        Stagg,

        Give me a break, we have incompetent players being given extended contracts, why not the incompetent medical staff also.

        We have a team where the GK coach does not travel with the team and no defensive coach at all.

        Name me any other major team which is in that predicament.

        • stag133 2 June, 2010 at 22:14

          you feel the players are not competent… obviously Wenger, the only person that matters, does not… incompetent players is OPINION.
          If Wenger felt a players was not good enough, he wouldn’t keep him.
          I think he believes his players ARE good enough. Is that correct? I don’t think so, but I believe WENGER thinks its so.

          Now, if a player feels he has been diagnosed incorrectly, and caused injury by it, that affects HIS CAREER. The player or players could refuse to be treated by them, and then they’d be forced to bring in someone else… or be sued for negligence.

          You are talking about different things. Wenger’s opinion, versus medical negligence.

          and for such a terrible predicament, we’ve been in the Top 4 every season since Wenger arrived.

          We don’t have a great deal of incompetence in either area.

        • CaribKid 3 June, 2010 at 00:01

          You failed to answer the question Stagg, “We have a team where the GK coach does not travel with the team and no defensive coach at all.

          Name me any other major team which is in that predicament.”

        • stag133 3 June, 2010 at 00:27

          how do you know the goal-keeping coach travels with all the other teams in the league?

          I live in Boston, we have arguably the best football coach in the NFL in Bill Belichick.
          He has no offensive or defensive coordinator at all.
          I don’t think that hinders the team much, not by his record. Its more about the PLAYERS.
          I really don’t think a GK coach is going to do anything for a keeper on game day.

          WHAT PREDICAMENT?
          4th place or better every single season Wenger has been at the club?
          The ONLY predicament we are in, is that once again, our BEST PLAYER is likely to be sold off… there is no other predicament that is close!

          You are under some impression the sky is falling… that a GK at matches and a defensive coach would make us winners? Is that your hypothesis???

          I think a BETTER GK, and a few PROVEN players with experience, and nobody would give a shit about the GK coach or any other one.

          Who’s Chelsea’s GK coach? or United’s? What exactly do they do? How do you know they travel with their team all the time.

          I think those things are meaningless in comparison to PLAYERS on the team.

  34. stag133 2 June, 2010 at 11:38 Log in to Reply

    happily watching pre-WC friendlies…

    Zimbabwe hosting Brazil!
    ;)

  35. arsesession 2 June, 2010 at 09:57 Log in to Reply

    Sorry to everyone for digressing to the last post.

    @ Fred,
    “Hmmmm…..crossing the ball for a goal is not a significant performance marker.”

    In this sport, there are 2 significant stats in offense. Scoring and assists.

    You asked anyone to name any significant contributions Tomas made other than in matches against
    relegated teams.

    I have my own impressions about our injuries.
    There are very FEW large / athletic / skillful / high IQ players in this sport ( I consider Drogba an exception).

    The skillfull / hi IQ players tend to be downsized. As our style is to hold possession, and play in probably the most physical league globally, we are on the receiving end of most contact.

    Again, with no stats to support, my experience is that those on the receive end of a tackle are less protected (guarded) as their focus is maintain possession and not bunker down for the contact.

    Additionally, how many times have we watched ‘the neutral english center official’ allow a bad tackle? We are Arsenal, mostly foreigners.

    I would say that other teams are experiencing an equal frequency of injuries. At one point ManU had to play EVRA at CB and Van der Sar was out for sometime (Ferdinand and Vidic out for long spells). Rooney, certainly no push over physically has a running issue with his ankle or strains.

    Chelsea has seen Essien miss most of 1-1/2 seasons from injury – AND I CERTAINLY DON’T CONSIDER HIM an Arsenal size physique. Joe Cole is not large, but I’d consider him more muscular and english bred for contact. He also has lost a full 12 months and his progress late spring was very slow. Alex missed a large # of matches due to muscle strains. Ashley Cole also out for extended period. Last year Drogba was hit by the injury bug.

    Over the past 2 years Torres and Gerrard have missed increasingly more playing time from injuries. Add to that Mascherano, certainly not a pansy as well as their CB (sorry I can’t recall his name). Botswinga out for a full year. Just go through every top 10 team in our league and you’ll see starting players, more physically gifted than our players -OUT WITH INJURY.

    Arsenal 1st team roster depth has too much inexperience, which most of you have addressed.

    I have mixed feelings for the signing of Chamakh, but see his athleticism a big plus for our attack. Many of his goals were from headers, so my concern is for who can supply the correct ball.

    • Fred 2 June, 2010 at 11:52 Log in to Reply

      I simply dont see crossing a ball once as a significant performance marker.

      Crossing it 10 times and having an accuracy rate over 50% is a much better marker.

      Either way, I like Rosicky, he just is too injury prone and approaching 30 is not going to get better. Its time to cut our losses for the four years we have wasted.

  36. DaAdminGooner 2 June, 2010 at 08:38 Log in to Reply

    Various media outlets are reporting that Barcelona have lodged their formal offer of £40 million for Fabregas. Reportedly it was met with a lot of laughing

    • stag133 2 June, 2010 at 11:36 Log in to Reply

      I doubt they offered 40 to start, and if they do, we’ll take it.
      unfortunately.

  37. DaAdminGooner 2 June, 2010 at 06:51 Log in to Reply

    While I don’t think Theo deserved a spot on the England team, I feel that the mass thrashing he is receiving in the press is a little bit of overkill.

    I don’t think the lad asked to go to the WC in 2006. Sven was an idiot and after he picked him and then didn’t play him, it was obvious Sven knew that too.

    Unfortunately Theo is a victim of the hype generated from 2006 and for whatever reason that hype has lasted until now. Maybe he also got a disservice and wound up in Arsenal before his time. That’s a point to argue later.

    The fact remains Theo shouldn’t face the level of scrutiny he is getting moreso than the other 6 players who were left off the squad as well. Theo can’t help it that he is part of the WC adverts for England (print and TV). He can’t help it that certain groups made him part of the squad before he was selected.

    What Theo is responsible for is if as they say he didn’t work hard enough – then by all means he doesn’t deserve to be on the squad. And by all accounts his starting the last 2 friendlies was a chance for him to play himself back in the squad. He obviously didn’t. Seems Capello was trying to get Theo to understand that in his role he needed to stay out wide right and cross the ball in. Theo, unfortunately, kept coming in to the middle.

    I think its a bold decision by Capello, leaving off a supposed England “fan favourite” but that is why they pay him the bucks. As for ‘Arry the man who would be manager of the England squad – he would’ve taken Theo. That says all you need to know about ‘Arry. He has absolutely no ability to assess talent. The fat twat.

  38. nipuna 2 June, 2010 at 01:27 Log in to Reply

    http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/06/01/1954056/arsenal-legend-martin-keown-one-trick-pony-theo-walcott

  39. DaAdminGooner 1 June, 2010 at 23:48 Log in to Reply

    Interesting – Arsenal and Spurs are supposedly the odds on favourites to land Cole. ‘Arry thinks that as much as he would love to have him – he has already agreed to terms with a squad.

    • nipuna 2 June, 2010 at 00:16 Log in to Reply

      Arsene won’t sign a player who will kill Walcott and Vela, would he?

    • stag133 2 June, 2010 at 00:34 Log in to Reply

      from what I have read, UNITED are believed to be the team he has already signed with…
      not Arsenal.

      I would LOVE to have Joe Cole in this team. It would be a fantastic signing. But I don’t know why he’d come to the Arsenal over United. Wouldn’t make sense.
      United have an English core. Better team.

      It would be perfect for the Arsenal Football Club, as he’s another FREE transfer.
      But I will hope, but not believe he’s coming our way.

  40. ChicagoGooner 1 June, 2010 at 22:58 Log in to Reply

    Welcome to Arsenal, Marouane. We hope you like what you find here, even if we don’t always.

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