Arsenal close to signing Ciprian Marica, says his agent

Romania striker Ciprian Marica is on the verge of joining Arsenal, according to his agent.

The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving German side Schalke at the end of last season.

He was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this week, but his agent, Ioan Becali, claimed that Arsenal were interested back in July.

Now, the Daily Mirror’s John Cross is reporting that Marica is close to joining Arsenal. We’re not sure whether Becali has been speaking out again or whether Cross has simply rehashed the story from July.

Becali is quoted as saying: “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.”

Marica, who scored on international duty on Friday night despite not currently having a club side, is also reported to be a target for Shakhtar Donetsk, Lazio and Inter Milan.