Agent of Jackson Martinez has confirmed that Porto and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement over the transfer of the Colombian striker.
Reports in Italy initially suggested that AC Milan, who are looking to bolster their squad this summer, have marked Jackson Martinez as one of their prime transfer targets. So much so, that Italian media reported all that remains to complete his move to San Siro is his medical. But it seems like they have lost another transfer battle in this window.
While AC Milan were engaged in a race with Inter Milan to sign Geoffrey Kondogbia, a race they eventually lost, they took their eyes off Martinez. Atletico Madrid stepped up their interest in the Colombian international and swiftly moved to close the deal. The Spanish club were looking for a replacement for Mario Mandzukic, who has eventually signed for Juventus.
Martineza s agent, Luiz Henrique Pompero, has now confirmed that the deal with Atletico Madrid has been finalized. In an interview to AS, Pompero thanked AC Milan for their interest, but insisted that the striker is excited about the prospect of playing for the Spanish club and helping them in achieving their goals.
a It was finalised today. We want to thank AC Milan for their interest right up to the end, we feel very honoured by it, but you cana t be in two places at once.
.
a Ita s a very big club, which has done important things in the league and in Europe. Jackson is going there also to achieve great things and to bring the best out of himself to become even better. Thata s his dream and hea s very excited. Hea s really happy.a a Luiz Henrique Pompeo told to AS.
Pompero also praised Atletico manager Diego Simeone and revealed that the deal will be made official once the striker returns from the ongoing Copa America.
“He’s a coach with a winning mentality. Now it just remains for Atletico and Porto to make the official announcement and after the Copa America, where Martinez is representing [his country], he will be presented with his new shirt.” a He added.
Porto and Atletico have reportedly agreed to a fee of a 35 million for the 28-year-old striker. Martinez will now hope to justify this price tag, in a much tougher league, against tougher opponents. AC Milan meanwhile, will have to shift their focus elsewhere, after losing out on two of their primary targets this summer.