Arsenal targeting Getafe striker Ciprian Marica

Ciprian Marica

Arsenal ”want” Getafe’s Romanian forward Ciprian Marica as an alternative to Karim Benzema and Christian Benteke, according to The Metro.

Tottenham were believed to be interested in the Romanian, according to sources in Spain, but it is now thought that their rivals have the upper hand.

Arsene Wenger apparently wants the 28-year-old Marica as he’s a cheaper alternative to Benteke and Real Madrid’s Benzema.

The Romanian may well be a cheaper alternative to the other two strikers linked with Arsenal but there is a reason for that. Marica has scored just once in La Liga this season and scored only three times for Schalke in the Bundesliga last season.

Wenger made it clear his intentions to sign a striker in the summer after pursuits ofGonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez fell apart despite the signing of Mesut Ozil.

Olivier Giroud has started the new season well, though, which leaves Wenger with a little dilemma. Should he keep the faith in Giroud, who has scored seven times in 12 Premier League appearances this season, or spend more cash on a big name?

Maybe the interest in Marica is to provide back-up and some competition for Giroud but his goal record isn’t great.

Marica has a 75% shot accuracy, with one goal scored this season. However, that has come from just three shots on target, a conversion rate of 25%.

Marica’s shots in La Liga this season