Arsenal flop Chamakh joins Palace

Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh ended his disappointing three-year spell at Arsenal on Monday after joining newly-promoted Crystal Palace. Chamakh, 29, signed a one-year contract with Ian Holloway's team and is likely to make his debut against Tottenham at Selhurst Park on Sunday. "Crystal Palace are delighted to confirm the signing of Morocco international striker Marouane Chamakh on a one-year deal," a statement on the club's website confirmed. "The former Arsenal forward has joined the Eagles on a permanent deal after competing a medical in SE25, and will wear the number 29 shirt." The France-born Moroccan international, who has 21 caps for his country, will be charged with scoring the goals to keep Palace in the Premier League on their return to the top-flight after an eight-year absence. However, Chamakh had a woeful record at Arsenal, scoring just 14 goals in 67 appearances following his free transfer from Bordeaux in 2010. He spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, making three appearances for the east London team. Chamakh is the third striker signed by Palace since their promotion via the Championship play-offs and he will compete with fellow new boys Kevin Phillips and Dwight Gayle for a place in the starting line-up while last season's leading scorer Glenn Murray recovers from a long-term knee injury. Source: AFP