Arsenal Transfers: Gunners Consider Ciprian Marica As Cheaper Than Benzema & Benteke

Romanian attacker Ciprian Marica has emerged as a January target for Premier League leaders Arsenal as manager Arsene Wenger looks to less expensive options than Christian Benteke and Karim Benzema.

The 28-year-old Getafe forward could end up at the centre of a tug of war between the Gunners and their London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur, reports the Metro.

Marica, who counts Shakhtar Donetsk and Bundesliga outfits Stuttgart and Schalke 04 among his former clubs, was the star performer for his country. He fired Romania into the World Cup playoffs, scoring five times in qualifying before they lost to Greece. As Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski returned to action this weekend and near a comeback respectively, Arsenal's squad is looking strong as the season enters the crowded festive fixture programme. This has prompted Wenger to think again about spending big on another forward when the winter transfer window opens. Real Madrid frontman Benzema has been consistently linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for several years. Aston Villa frontman Benteke meanwhile would cost a reported £28 million. Despite being largely used as backup by La Liga outfit Getafe, Marica would be a versatile addition to the Gunners as he can play up front, in the hole or on either flank.