• Premier League

Romania striker 'close' to Arsenal move

ESPN staff
September 11, 2013
Ciprian Marica is an experienced striker © PA Photos
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Ciprian Marica's agent has been quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying that the Romania striker is "close to joining Arsenal".

Marica, 27, is a free agent after his contract at Schalke expired at the end of last season, and he has recently been linked with Shakhtar Dontesk, Lazio and Inter Milan.

Getafe have also been credited with an interest, but, according to Marica's representative Ioan Becali, Arsenal could be set to acquire his services, after they failed to land an experienced forward in the summer.

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."

Marica managed just nine goals in 52 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke, having previously scored 30 goals in 133 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart.

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