The transfer window is closed, but that doesn't necessarily mean Arsenal can't still bring in players before it re-opens in January. Reports out of Romania (and Sky Sports!) claim that Arsene Wenger is considering adding Romanian international striker Ciprian Marica on a free. The possibility exists because he was a free agent during the transfer window and remained unsigned, so a signing wouldn't be a transfer per se. And so, here we are. Interest from several other clubs - Shakhtar Donetsk, Lazio, Inter Milan, and West Ham are interested - exists, but it sounds like he's close to a North London move. If you believe his agent (!) Ioan Becali, that is.
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.
Agents!
So, who's Ciprian Marica? He's 27, and has played for Dinamo Bucharest, Shakhtar Donetsk, VfB Stuttgart, and Schalke 04. He's been a stalwart for the Romanian national team for years, scoring 22 times since 2004. He's experienced, and he's a striker, and he's still available. Here are the highlights from his last game, for Romania in a 3-0 win. He scores in the second minute, and assists on Romania's second goal.
So! This could be our new non-Bendtner backup striker. Or he could end up at West Ham. Time will tell.