Portuguese side Porto are braced for bids for striker and talisman Jackson Martinez, after Arsenal and Manchester United signalled their interest in the Colombian.

Pastures New

The 27 year-old forward, currently on duty at the World Cup, has fuelled speculation on his future after his agent claimed last month that Porto would allow him to seek pastures new this summer.

The Daily Star and A Bola quote Martinez as saying that,

“I know that there are discussions, but there is still no agreement.”

"My agent is in charge of my future, for now I'm here and it is only after the World Cup that we will discuss what we have to deal with."

Many for Martinez

The opening bid seems wide off the mark of the £30 million that Porto values their prolific forward, with Martinez scoring an impressive 60 goals in 91 appearances for the club.

With European superpowers Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan and Roma circling the world cup quarter finalist, Arsenal will be keen to move quickly to secure his signature, with a new transfer war chest to spend following the official start of the Puma branding deal.

Jackson is a Gooner

Manager Arsène Wenger will be encouraged with the news that Martinez would be interested in a move to the red half of North London, as he is a self proclaimed Gunner who is ready to take the leap to English football.

Martinez told The Daily Star that,

"I cheered for Arsenal when I was a kid - I love their style of play. It's flowing and open with a lot of first touch passes. It would be suitable for a player like me.”

"If I get a chance to play for a high level club like Arsenal I wouldn't hesitate to accept it."

Martinez – because he’s worth it

Arsenal are in dire need of a world class forward to lead the line and give them that extra bit of quality to compete in all competitions next season.

Jackson Martinez will give the side the pace lacking from Olivier Giroud, as well as his versatility giving Wenger many options to choose from. However, with a range of clubs pining for his signature, it seems likely that the Gunners will have to spend over the odds to land their man.

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