Ciprian Marica to announce future by end of the week

Romanian striker Ciprian Marica is expected to announce his future by the end of the week, as both Arsenal and West Ham United battle for his signature.

The 27-year-old is currently a free agent having been released by Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 at the end of last season.

His agent Ioan Becali recently revealed that his client was "close" to joining the Gunners, but the man himself said that there are three offers on the table.

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

Marica scored six goals in 19 appearances across all competitions last season.