Arsene Wenger: "Suker is like Ian Wright - he lives for scoring goals"

The move follows the completion of Nicolas Anelka's long-awaited £23.5m transfer to the Spanish club.

Suker, top scorer at the 1998 World Cup with six goals, has been signed by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger as Anelka's replacement up front alongside Dennis Bergkamp.

The 31-year-old forward decided to leave Madrid after falling out with Real's Welsh coach John Toshack.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "It was imperative that we strengthened the strike-force at Arsenal before the start of the season and Davor is a special talent who will help boost our campaign.

"He is a quality striker with experience in the Champions' League and will undoubtedly be a great asset for us."

Wenger confirmed that Suker has taken a pay cut to move to Highbury after exercising an escape clause in his contract.

"It is very unusual, but that is what is refreshing for Arsenal," said Wenger.

"During the World Cup he was outstanding. Everything about him was for the team."

Davor Suker reveals he has always admired Arsenal

Wenger said he did not even attempt to sign the Croatian after the World Cup, because "I felt he would not be on the transfer market."

Seven-year deal

Anelka signed a seven-year contract with Real on Monday, according to his advisors.

French striker Anelka has finally been granted his wish with a move to Madrid

The Frenchman's transfer was finally settled on Monday, after a protracted row that has dominated Highbury all summer.

Personal terms were agreed between player and club, after Arsenal had accepted an offer, believed to be around £23.5m, from the Spanish giants.

"A contract between the two clubs will be signed on Wednesday in London," said Anelka's agent, Marc Rogers.

The 20-year-old will undergo a routine medical on Thursday before committing his future to the Spanish first division club.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger had said after Sunday's Charity Shield: "The latest is that he (Anelka) will leave. We have found an agreement with Real Madrid, subject to contractual agreement.

"That means we have to sit together and sign the contract and, as long as that's not done, it's not done."

Highbury bust-up

Anelka's future was in limbo after Wenger announced on Friday that he had played his last game for the club.

Italian side Lazio ended their interest in the player after baulking at Arsenal's £23m asking price.

Real's Welsh coach John Toshack is a big fan of Anelka

But Real re-opened negotiations on Saturday - and president Lorenzo Sanz said on Spanish television that a deal had been agreed with the Gunners.

Anelka had always said he would prefer a move to Madrid.

Before his departure, the Frenchman delivered a final attack on Arsenal and English people in general.

Asked whether he would be watching the Charity Shield at his Paris home, Anelka said: "Why should I? I'm no longer part of Arsenal and it doesn't interest me.

"To hell with the English people."