Chamakh Promises Goals Upon Securing Hammers Loan Switch

Marouane Chamkah has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season from Arsenal.

The Moroccan forward's last Premier League goal came 16 months ago against Blackburn Rovers after being put on the peripheral of The Gunners first team squad.

Chamakh joins Carlton Cole, Modibo Maiga and Andy Carroll in The Hammers attack and the 28 year old has promised goals upon his move to Upton Park.

"I'm very happy to be here, I want to play and give my best for this team," said Chamakh. "I can bring my heading, some goals and we will see what else.

"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.

"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."

He becomes West Ham's third signing of the January transfer window after Sean McGuire joined on Thursday and Joe Cole confirmed his return for a second spell on a free transfer from Liverpool.

Unavailable to face Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday, but Chamakh will be eligible to become the first Moroccan to play for West Ham in the Premier League against Sunderland the following week.

After netting 11 goals in his half of the season at Arsenal in 2010, Chamakh quickly became second choice in north London, with Robin van Persie preferred to in attack.

Upon the departure of the Dutch captain, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski joined in the summer transfer window to push the former Bordeaux hitman further down the pecking order.

Having made just four appearances this season, in the League Cup and Champions League, Chamakh is surplus to requirements at Arsenal, despite still having 18 months to run on his current contract.