FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez has expressed his delight at being linked with a big club like Arsenal FC . and his desire to play in England.
The 28-year-old has always managed to be in the transfer gossips since his breakthrough season (2012-13) with Porto. The Colombian has been in prolific goal scoring form for the past three seasons and has managed a staggering 92 goals in just 132 appearances for the Portuguese side. A host of clubs, over the years, have been linked with Martinez and this summer the rumours started with AC Milana s reported interest in him.
Reports in Italy initially suggested that Milan, who are looking to bolster their squad this summer, have marked Martinez as one of their prime transfer targets. So much so, that Italian media reported that all that remains to complete his move to San Siro is his medical. But it seems like this transfer saga is far from being over.
While AC Milan are engaged in a transfer battle with Inter Milan over Geoffrey Kondogbia, the risk losing the battle for Martinez. Atletico Madrid and Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in the Colombian international. The Spanish club are looking for a replacement for Mario Mandzukic, who is closing in on a move to Juventus, while the Gunners are looking to improve their striking options to mount a title challenge next season.
Martinez, who is currently participating in the Copa America with Colombia, has issued a come and get me please for Arsenal. The striker when asked about Arsenala s reported interest in him, said a “It’s a big club in one of the best leagues in the world. We have to see if an offer will become a reality or not.
“The day we’ll know where my future goes is near. I still haven’t decided, as I’m focused on the Copa America right now.
“Every footballer dreams of enjoying football. If that’s in England, Italy or Spain, the important thing is that it feels good.”
Martinez has a A?25million release clause in his contract and Porto will be unwilling to step down from their demands. Arsenal were linked with the striker last summer as well, but any move failed to materialize. The general consensus is that Arsenal need another striker in their ranks in order to step up to the next level and mount a sustainable title challenge. Martinez could prove to be an astute addition if Arsene Wenger decides to activate his release clause.