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West Ham complete loan deal for Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh - but not everyone's happy about it

The Moroccan forward has failed to impress following a free transfer from Bordeaux in 2010

Simon Rice
Friday 04 January 2013 16:05 GMT
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West Ham have added Marouane Chamakh to their squad following the arrival of Joe Cole this morning, however not everyone seems happy about the deal.

A Twitter account attributed to Jack Sullivan, son of Hammers co-owner David, had the message: "I am very sorry about this news Chamakh has sign a 6 month loan deal! not my pick".

The Arsenal striker joins on loan until the end of the season and will have a chance to resurrect a career that has faltered since joining the Gunners from Bordeaux in 2010.

Speaking to the club's official website, the forward said: "I want to play and give my best for this team. I can bring my heading, some goals and we will see what else.

"I didn't have opportunities to play recently, but I did well before and I know I am a very good striker.

"We played only one striker at Arsenal, so I didn't play a lot, so I hope to do so more with West Ham."

Chamakh added: "I played with Alou Diarra in Bordeaux and we were champions together. I also know Mohamed Diame and Carlton Cole.

"I think this will be a very important move for me and I don't want to waste any more time. I want to contribute immediately."

The Morrocan international has failed to nail down a starting place in north London and has scored just 14 goals in all competitions.

While the owner's son may not be pleased about the deal, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be after bringing in much needed cover.

"From my point of view, the situation I have with Andy Carroll being injured and Modibo Maiga going to the African Nations Cup, means as a striker we have Carlton Cole and that is it until Andy gets fit," Allardyce explained this morning.

The 28-year-old was not signed in time to be eligible for the FA Cup third round tie against Manchester United at Upton Park tomorrow.

Chamakh follows Cole through the Upton Park door and there could be more arrivals said Allardyce.

"We need to find a left-back as quick as we can as well, because Joey O'Brien has a hamstring problem and George McCartney is out for a number of weeks, so we will have to see if there is anyone who we can find in that position for us."

Allardyce also said of Blackburn defender Martin Olsson: "I did not know Martin was available, so we will have to wait and see if they make Martin available at Blackburn. I would definitely be interested because I worked with the lad when I was at the club and helped develop him into what I consider now to be quite a good player.

"Whether Blackburn are wanting to sell anybody in their fight to get back into the Premier League, I don't know."

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