Former Schalke striker could be set for Emirates move.
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Free agent Ciprian Marica is close to sealing a move to Arsenal, according to his agent, Sky Sports reports.
The 27-year-old left Bundesliga side Schalke in the summer after a disappointing campaign of just six goals in 19 appearances, and may be seen as a good squad player by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
West Ham have also been linked with Marica, though Arsenal appear to be in the driving seat to land the Romanian international, as they are determined to make amends for missing out on a striker during the summer transfer window, which closed on Monday.
On his client’s future, his agent Ioan Becali said: “Marica is a really great striker who has already got experience in western European football and so it’s natural that big clubs are eyeing his career.
“He’s close to joining Arsenal, but we have to wait for the next week.”
The Gunners were close to bringing in Demba Ba on loan from Chelsea, before the Blues cancelled the deal, and are left with Olivier Giroud as their only senior striker, with just inexperienced youngster Yaya Sanogo in reserve.
As Marica is currently not attached to any club, he can sign for a new team even though the transfer window is closed, which will appeal to Wenger as he looks to add a little more depth to his squad.
The likes of Inter Milan and Lazio were also said to be chasing Marica earlier this summer, though he struggled to find a new club, and it is perhaps not all that surprising given his poor scoring record in the last couple of years.