According to the Metro, Arsenal have been cleared to sign 28-year-old Jackson Martinez after Porto reportedly rejected a transfer bid from Atletico Madrid.
The Colombian has been told by Porto he can leave in the summer, and the Gunners are weighing up a £25.7million bid for his services. They are expected to make a formal approach for the striker upon the conclusion of the Copa America in July.
Despite an epic attacking showing in the club’s FA Cup final victory over Aston Villa, Arsene Wenger is understandably keen to strengthen his forward-thinking options at the Emirates.
Theo Walcott’s end-of-season flurry form provided reason for optimism, while Giroud has proven a regular scorer, however, you get the feeling that the Gunners still need to strengthen upfront if they wish to challenge for the league title next season.
As such, Wenger could well decide to splash the cash in pursuit of Jackson Martinez.
Martinez displayed his quality at the highest stage of club football this season, with his performances throughout Porto’s Champions League involvement catching the eye of Europe’s elite.
The prolific number ‘9’ netted an impressive seven goals in eights games in this competition as his side reached the quarter-final stage, while his domestic involvement saw him score 21 goals in 29 appearances.
