Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign out of favour Atletico Madrid star Gelson Martins on loan this month, but could face stiff competition from AS Monaco
Arsenal have identified Gelson Martins as one of their leading targets this month as they plot a loan deal for the Atletico Madrid star. However, the Gunners could face stiff competition from AS Monaco in pursuit of the Portuguese international, who could be available this month following a disastrous start to his spell at Atletico Madrid, as reported by The Sun.
After joining Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, Martins has been out of favour under Diego Simeone this campaign. The Portuguese international has mustered just over 200 minutes of league action so far, during which the 23-year-old has failed to get involved in goals.
As a result, the Atletico Madrid hierarchy are keen to offload the former Sporting CP starlet, with Arsenal plotting a loan deal, thus staying true to their promise of only signing players on temporary deals this month due to budget restraints.
But, AS Monaco, coached by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, are equally keen to attain the services of the Portuguese winger, who may resolve their attacking problems this season.
Les Monegasques have scored just 19 goals in 21 league matches so far, and with players like summer signing Aleksandr Golovin and Rony Lopes struggling to find the back of the net combined with a series of injuries star players, the addition of Martins would appear as a breath of fresh air for Henry.
As for Arsenal, they have have had a stop-start campaign this season, and although their offensive duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have done relatively well, the Gunners lack reliable options in attack, especially in the wider positions.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has struggled with injuries while Alex Iwobi cannot be trusted as a first-team regular, thus accentuating the need for a new winger, who can bulk up Unai Emery’s options in the final third.
Martins, in that regard, seems like a fitting candidate as his raw pace coupled with his incredible dribbling prowess would definitely add more flair to the Arsenal attack. The Portuguese’s quick-feet allows him to link up with teammates in the final third that tunes in well with Arsenal’s fast-paced attacking approach under Emery.
That being said, the 23-year-old often tends to get dispossessed with the ball, which, although is quite natural considering the nature of his game, would make him no better than Iwobi.
Therefore, it is an aspect Martins certainly need to improve upon if he is to thrive in the English top flight. But, aside from that, the Portuguese international is a viable target for Arsenal as they aim to push for a top-four finish during the remainder of the campaign, although they will need to stave off AS Monaco to land their target man.
