Arsenal in pole position to sign Marica

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Romania international Ciprian Marica, the Express understands.

The 27 year old striker, who is available on a free transfer, has been targeted by Arsene Wenger, who remains short of strikers following the closing of the transfer window.

West Ham United are also interested in signing the former Schalke man, who has also been linked with moves to Lazio, Inter Milan and former club Shakhtar Donetsk.

Marica began his career at Dinamo Bucharest, before moving to Shakthar and then on to the Bundesliga, firstly with Stuttgart and then Schalke, while internationally he has 22 goals in 63 appearances for his country.

Nicklas Bendtner, who recently returned to the club following loan spells with Sunderland and Juventus, and France U20 international Yaya Sanogo are currently Wenger’s only back up to first choice forward Olivier Giroud, though Theo Walcott, who has also expressed a desire to play as a striker, is another option.