Arsenal Transfers: 5 Forwards To Replace Injured Theo Walcott

5. Jackson Martinez

Who better to sign in the January transfer window than a self-confessed Arsenal fan? Colombian forward Martinez, 27, was quoted in the Metro saying:
"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."
You will be hard pressed to find a clearer come and get me plea than that. There seems to be little danger that what Martinez said got lost in translation here. He wants to join the Gunners, and they need another forward. Rated at a reported £30 million, Martinez is cup-tied for the Champions League, however. He has been prolific in Portuguese football over the last 18 months and is one shy of 50 goals having played 64 games in all competitions. That phenomenal strike rate is of course skewed by the relatively weak competition Porto play regularly, but Martinez would be a versatile attacking option for Arsenal. Wenger spent big on Mesut Ozil in the summer and the chances are he will have to do so again.
Contributor
Contributor

Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.