Arsenal Transfer News: Free Agent Marica to Reveal New Club Next Week

Romania international Ciprian Marica has admitted that he will reveal the identity of his next club some time next week, after being heavily linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Fiorentina and Getafe.

The 27 year old became a free agent over the summer after reaching the end of his contract with German side Schalke and has since been considering his options as he looks to find a new club.

His agent Ioan Becali stated just last week that he was in talks with Arsenal but there has been no confirmation from the north London club that they are looking to offer the striker a contract.

"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," stated Becali.

The Romania international struggled last season as he scored just three league goals but he has a wealth of experience at the highest level having spent four seasons at Shakhtar Donetsk and another four with Stuttgart.

He has 22 goals in 64 appearances for his country and is of little surprise that he has garnered so much attention as he is available immediately and for no transfer fee.

Sky Sports reports that Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked with the striker, but they are likely to face competition from a number of European clubs.

The Gunners are short of central striker and currently only have Olivier Giroud fully fit, thanks to an injury to the untested Yaya Sanogo and Nicklas Bendtner still not being match fit.

Tottenham have stated that they are happy with their attacking options and it seems unlikely that they would need another forward on their books with manager Andre Villas-Boas preferring to play a lone striker.

Marica has now revealed that he is in discussions with clubs and it seems he will be unveiled some time next week.

"I am in negotiations with three teams," said Marica. "I hope I will be able to tell you the name of my next team by the end of next week."

Arsenal have already signed two players on free transfers this season and it could be that Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his squad in what would represent a low risk transfer.