Transfer Watch: Arsenal to raid helpless Porto for Jackson Martinez

29 May 2015 10:30

Arsene Wenger it seems is closing in on forward target Jackson Martinez and will find Porto helpless to resist according to reports. The Colombian striker is considered an essential acquisition as Arsenal look to strengthen their attacking options for a serious assault on the Premier League title next season.

The Gunners will trigger the players release clause of £24.7m to seal the Porto star according to the Express with Porto desperate to keep hold of their strike. Porto president Nuno Pinto da Costa explained the situation: “He’s a player we want to keep, but we cannot stop someone paying the clause.

"Jackson went on vacation and so when he returns we will try to renew his deal just like last year.”

The 28-year-old striker joined Porto in 2012 where he has made 89 league appearances over three seasons and scored 67 goals. Martinez won the Primeira Liga in 2012-13 and has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a move to the Premier League for months with Arsenal looking like the hot favourites. Martinez has been consistent over his three seasons, scoring 31, 29 and 32 in each season of all competitions.

Martinez was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and scored twice against Japan in the final group game for the Colombians in a 4-1 win.


Source: DSG