Source: Daily_Mail
Marouane Chamakh almost a done deal, says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger is confident Arsenal will soon be able to officially announce Marouane Chamakh as their first summer signing. [LNB]The Morocco international has been a long-term target for the Gunners, who have seen another campaign which promised so much fail to deliver. [LNB]They prepare for their last Barclays Premier League match against Europa League finalists Fulham aiming to secure third place ahead of Tottenham. [LNB] Nearly there: Bordeaux striker Chamakh is heading for the Emirates Stadium[LNB]Chamakh seems set to arrive on a free transfer, on a deal worth a reported £50,000 a week, once his contact with Bordeaux expires. [LNB]The 26-year-old - who has netted 15 goals for the French club this season - will increase Wenger's options in attack. [LNB]The manager saw Robin van Persie ruled out for five months with an ankle injury earlier in the season, and admits he is counting the days until his move is confirmed.[LNB]Wenger, speaking to the Arsenal podcast on the club's official website, revealed: 'It is not officially done, but we are confident on the boy. When all is clear we will come out and announce it.'[LNB]The Arsenal manager looks set to further strengthen his squad during the summer, with defence also an area for concern with veterans William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell all out of contract. [LNB]Former Gunner Matthew Upson is a potential target, as West Ham look to slash their wage bill, along with Senegal defender Pape Diakhate, loaned to St Etienne, but rated at £10m by Dynamo Kiev. [LNB] Speculation: Wenger insists he has never been in for Fulham defender Hangeland[LNB]Fulham's Brede Hangeland has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. [LNB] Wenger said of the Norway international: 'I find he is a good player, but we were never in for him.'[LNB] Wenger, meanwhile, maintains Arsenal owe the supporters a performance to remember on Sunday, having seen their title chances evaporate following successive away defeats at Tottenham and then Wigan, when leading 2-0 with just 10 minutes left, before also losing at Blackburn on Monday. [LNB]'Thank you to the fans because I believe for long periods of the season they were behind the team like never before. They deserve a big thank you,' the Gunners boss said. [LNB]'We gave everything this year and we will do that again in the last game of the season - despite some disappointments they have always supported the team very well.'[LNB] Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie in line to start against Fulham as Arsenal look to secure thirdFulham given licence to field weakened team at Arsenal as Hodgson rests starsALL THE WEEKEND BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSArsenal eye £15m Sampdoria star Pazzini to team up with ChamakhARSENAL FC
