Arsenal's South Korean striker Park Chu-young has signed for Watford on a loan deal until the end of the season, subject to English Premier League clearance, the London-based football club said Saturday.

The 29-year-old played for FC Seoul and AS Monaco before joining the Gunners, and he spent the last season on loan at Celta Vigo in Spain.

While the South Korean has scored 23 goals in 61 international matches for his country, the talented but much-maligned forward has made only seven appearances for Arsenal in the past two and a half years.

"Park will be looking to gain first-team opportunities with the Hornets, while helping the team push for a possible promotion into the Premier League," Arsenal said on its official website. "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Ju (Chu) the best of luck for his time with Watford."

The loan move is subject to the completion of standard regulatory processes, Arsenal said.

The South Korean men's national football team head coach, Hong Myung-bo, sent a message of cheer to Park.

"I feel much relieved that he can make a fresh start," said Hong, who is now in Los Angeles with a squad of 23 South Korean players for pre-World Cup training camp. "Park will have to show a good performance in the coming matches."   

(Yonhap)