Is Marouane Chamakh Really the Answer To Arsenal's Prayers?

Marouane Chamakh has been moseying to the Emirates Stadium for the past 12 months. Arsene Wenger's pursuit of the Bourdeaux striker during last summer's transfer window was publicized to death—with transfer rumors swirling ever since.

Chamakh sports a Euro-trash mullet and a contract with Bordeaux, which expired at the end of the season paving the way for the 26-year-old to join Arsenal on a free transfer. Wenger has repeatedly expressed his interest in signing the player, but the question persists—Is Marouane Chamakh good enough to play first team football at the Emirates?

While Chamakh plays in the international arena for Morocco, the striker was born in France and has spent his entire professional career to date with Bordeaux. In the past eight seasons, he has scored 79 goals in 293 appearances.

In recent seasons, he has averaged roughly a 1:3 goals to appearance ratio. For context, the best Premier League strikers are typically have a goals to appearance ratio in excess of 1:2, but rarely exceeding an average of a goal per game.

With Eduardo rumored to be heading to Lyon, Chamakh will likely compete with Robin Van Persie, Nicklaus Bendtner, and Carlos Vela for first team game time. Vela is still raw. Bendtner's shots to stands ratio this campaign was embarrassing. As a result, I would expect Chamakh to be the second choice striker behind Van Persie, who has been world-class this season...when he hasn't been taking baths in horse placenta.

Van Persie's injury-riddled history suggests that Wenger is wise to reinforce the front line this summer. He doesn't need to be reminded that the center of defence and midfield could use some depth as well. However, I wonder if Chamakh will be Arsenal's next Eduardo—a decent player who has shown flashes of brilliance, but has failed to produce on a consistent basis.

It should be noted that Eduardo also came to Arson with a hideous mullet. Thankfully, his hair improved significantly faster than his form did.

Chamakh will most certainly get a chance to impress, and even some time to adjust if he needs it. I am willing to bet that he will fail to impress at the Emirates. Time will tell.