Jackson Martinez has continued the fine tradition of South American strikers who light up the Estadio do Dragao with their scoring exploits. Picking up the reins a year on from Radamel Falcao’s switch to Atletico Madrid, the Colombian forward notched 26 league goals (34 in all competitions) for the eventual Portuguese champions.
And it’s little surprise then that Europe’s surrounding clubs have looked once again towards Porto, contemplating a move for their latest prized asset. Arsenal, who once seemed to have a glut of options available to them – as well as all the finances to fund a move – may now have to place extreme importance in Martinez; the clock is ticking and he may be the pick of the diminishing bunch that is left.
Arsenal will probably try and refrain as best they can. Porto President Pinto da Costa is one of Europe’s toughest negotiators, and he sort of has to be considering Porto generally don’t own all the rights to each of their players.
Fortunately for Arsene Wenger and his high standards (ahem), Martinez is the goal scorer Arsenal are looking for, and more or less the complete package. He’s technically sound, able to drop deep and link up with the midfielders. His scoring record speaks for itself, but he also has the audacity and ability to attempt the spectacular. Are there many players at Arsenal who can launch themselves into the air and score a game-winner that genuinely will be played over and over again for years to come? Not since the Dutchman departed.
The player’s release clause reportedly stands at €40 million, and as always, Porto won’t budge from that figure. But Arsenal don’t have the choice they once did. Time is pressing and the fans are on the brink and so far removed from patience that nothing other than the best that’s available will do.
The thing about Jackson Martinez is that he’s a winner and comes with the mentality to succeed no matter his surroundings. There aren’t too many in Arsenal colours at present who unquestionably and consistently arrive on match days with the frame of mind to win. Something about only turning up with 15 minutes left and 1-0 down.
The positive is that Wenger has alluded to Martinez being someone that the club is looking at. Though that’s kind of a hollow positive; the club apparently look at everyone but move for no one, at least not with any serious intent. It will likely amount to a “derisory bid” (that’s the new “It word” in football apparently) and the manager saying he tried. Unfortunately trying doesn’t really address the genuine lack of world-class forwards in the current setup.
At 26 and already with a taste of life in Europe, Jackson Martinez is primed to move on and up the ladder. Like for so many South Americans, Porto was the home away from home, offering those invaluable familiar comforts while the transition to a different league and mentality took place.
At this stage in the summer, it’s the best Arsenal can do to make amends for the severe lack of action and ultimate crippling of a very healthy situation. Martinez will certainly cost more than Wenger is willing to spend on a player, but the upside is that a striker with world-class ability will arrive at the Emirates. After all, that’s sort of what the fans were promised.
Is Jackson Martinez the best option for Arsenal at this stage in the window?
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