According to former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires, Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh will be a big success for the Gunners.

Signed for free from Bordeaux by Arsene Wenger as a backup to his regular strikers, the 26-year old was forced into the starting eleven after injuries to Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie and after only three months at his new club he is already a fan-favourite at Arsenal.

Pires, who makes his comeback in English football after joining Aston Villa, explained how it is not easy to adapt to the English Premier League where the game is incredibly fast and physical.

But, according to the 37-year old, Chamakh has all required characteristics to be successful with the Gunners as he is one who can score goals as well as defend when required.

On the Moroccan, Pires said:

Marouane will be a big success at Arsenal, I am sure of that. It’s ­difficult when a player arrives from a league like the French ­Championnat. It is so different to the English football. It can take you by surprise.

The most difficult thing is the speed of the game, but then there is the physical side. You have to give people time to adapt.

I’ve got to know him as I’ve been ­training with Arsenal. He has all the qualities that are needed to be a success in England.

He has character, an ­excellent touch and ­technique and he’s already shown that he can score goals. He knows he has to defend at times as well as attack and he is willing to do that.

That is why I am certain that he will be a big success at Arsenal.