Jackson Martinez wanted by Arsenal in €40m move

 
Arsenal are scouting Chelsea-target Jackson Martinez in Brazil at the World Cup and considering a move for the €40m-rated forward.

That's according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, who report that Arsene Wenger has revived his interest in the Colombian hit-man, who scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Japan in their final group game earlier this week.

Interest in Martinez

Arsenal are not the only club watching Martinez, and the report claims Valencia and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the 27-year-old forward while Chelsea have been linked in the past.

He's scored 46 goals in 60 league appearances for Porto since joining the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2012. He was signed for just €11m, largely to replace the lost goals of Radamel Falcao, who joined Atletico Madrid.

Martinez could follow the same path to the defending Spanish champions, but Martinez has in the past admitted that he'd be keen on a Premier League switch.

In fact, he even revealed that he's a big fan of Arsenal and enjoys watching their style of play, dropping the biggest hint yet that he could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger in Brazil

The Arsenal boss is currently in Brazil working as a pundit for a French TV channel, but reports claim he's using the trip as a scouting mission for the Gunners as well.

The north London club have been linked with Italy forward Mario Balotelli, as well as Croatian international Mario Mandzukic. Both strikers are available this summer, and are expected to leave AC Milan and Bayern Munich respectively.

Nicklas Bendtner has officially left Arsenal after his contract was allowed to expire, leaving Yaya Sanogo as Wenger's only back-up to Olivier Giroud. As a result, a new striker is a pressing priority.

Martinez release clause

Martinez has a well-documented €40m release clause in his Porto contract. Up to now, it may have put off potential suitors as Porto are notoriously tough negotiators when it comes to transfers.

Martinez has also been mentioned as a transfer target for Chelsea and Jose Mourinho may look to revive his interest if his good form continues in Brazil.