West Ham United are closing in on a loan deal for Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.

The Daily Mail says after completing the permanent transfer of Joe Cole from Liverpool on a free, West Ham believe it is good business for Chamakh, 28. Arsenal will subsidise the transfer by paying part of his £65,000-a-week wages.

The striker has been a flop at Arsenal since signing from Bordeaux, scoring only eight league goals in 40 games.

He will act as cover from Carlton Cole while Andy Carroll returns from his latest injury.