August 12 2013

Snow problem? No problem at Selhurst

Crystal Palace have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of MAROUANE CHAMAKH from Arsenal.

The Moroccan international striker, who will wear the number 29 shirt, has signed a one-year deal and hopes to reignite his career at Palace after being frozen out at the Emirates.

"I'm really happy to be here, to be signing for Crystal Palace," CHAMAKH told Palace's website. "To work with the manager, I think it will be easier.

"He changed my mind about this club and the project, so I am happy to work with him and to meet the other players at Crystal Palace. I hope it will be good this year.

"I hope I will bring my experience from the Premier League and I will do my best and talk to the players to be happy this season.”

CHAMAKH joined Arsenal from Bordeaux in 2010 and scored 12 goals in his first season but only added one more in the following campaign.

Last term, the 29-year-old featured in Arsenal's Capital One Cup campaign - grabbing a brace against Reading - and against Olympiakos in the Champions League before turning out for West Ham on loan for three games.

The French-born target man had glorious time with Bordeaux , winning the league title and both cup competitions (twice). He became the first player in Champions League history to score in six consecutive matches.

Eagles boss Ian Holloway said: "I normally do okay with people whose careers are faltering. I love them up and work with them, and hopefully I can get him back to how he was after he joined Arsenal.

"There was nothing wrong with him then when he scored eight in nine. But I wouldn't fancy being Robin van Persie's understudy, it can't have been fun."