Arsenal - In The Grove - Wenger reveals Marouane Chamakh is relishing the Premier League because "he loves the physical game".

Published: 16 September 2010
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has revealed that summer signing Marouane Chamakh is relishing playing in the Premier League because "he loves the physical game".

The Moroccan striker has settled in quickly at the Emirates since joining from French club Bordeaux, scoring two goals in four league games. Chamakh is expected to spearhead the Gunners' attack on Saturday as Wenger prepares for a testing game away at Sunderland without injured strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner. 

"He has done very well," Wenger told the club's official website. "I believe he has a love for the physical game, a love for challenges. 

"I believe that he is an intelligent player as well and he has adapted quickly because he is a real team player. He likes to work for the team, so even if he misses one or two things, he does so much that overall his contribution is very high."

Chamakh has already impressed on the pitch and, according to Wenger, he is showing all the right signs off it too. "Off the field he is a guy who loves to be with the team, with his team-mates. He can be happy everywhere," the manager added.

This week Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly said their main target for this season is Champions League glory. Wenger, however, is refusing to follow their lead and insists that he's not prioritising European success. 

The Frenchman said: "It's not really possible to prioritise. “We go to Sunderland three days after playing in Europe and that's as big a game for us as our game against Braga was.

“We want to win something, no matter what it is - Champions League or championship. 

“On Saturday, I selected a team just to beat Bolton. I rotated some players who had played in their national teams, but it wasn't looking to Braga."