Oba welcomes Gunners talk
05 Jul 2008 - 10:44:30
Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has welcomed reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The 23-year-old Nigerian has been mentioned as a possible replacement should Emmanuel Adebayor complete a £30million move to either AC Milan or Barcelona.
Martins has netted 27 times in 79 appearances for the Magpies since his £10million arrival from Internazionale in August 2006.
However, he has not always been considered first choice at St James' Park with Michael Owen and Mark Viduka ahead of him in the pecking order at times last season.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be an admirer of Martins and the diminutive frontman has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to north London.
"Arsenal is a big club that everyone wants to play for. I am thrilled and it will be nice to play for such a team," he told The Sun.
"But now that I am a Newcastle player, there is nothing much to say. If it is true, both clubs would have to reach an agreement.
"Is Arsenal a good club? Yes. Would I love to play there? Probably, if Newcastle are ready to listen to them. But if Newcastle says no then it'll be no."
