Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Wenger: ‘Martinez Is Hugely Efficient & Intelligent – He Could Play In The PL’

With Jackson Martinez reportedly on the move in the coming days, Arsene Wenger’s comments from earlier this year indicate the Gunners could be involved in a transfer.

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Wenger spoke to BEINSports in February this year. On Martinez he said the Porto striker has “Top physical strengths, Hugely efficient, he is the kind of player who can make room for himself in the box.

Martinez managed 32 goals this season and finished as the Portuguese leagues top goalscorer. Despite him being 28 and never tested in a major league, Wenger is clearly a fan and his words indicate he would have no qualms about paying his £24million release clause.

During the discussion Wenger wore one of his famous cheeky grins:

“He could play in the Premier League because he has the body to make the difference. He uses it in a very intelligent way. Very short back lift and he’s a very good finisher.”

“He’s on the list of many clubs, you know that. He will be the next big transfer who will give a big smile to Pinto da Costa [Porto’s owner].”

Did you see? Petr Cech hints at Arsenal transfer

Martinez is clearly a deadly finisher and that’s what Arsenal could do with. He’d be a bit of a risk as he is yet to prove himself in a major league, but as Wenger’s previous comments show, the Frenchman feels Martinez would adjust very nicely to the Premier League.

Wenger will be keeping an eye on the Copa America this summer, after previously declaring he admires South American fowards. He might want to snap up Martinez before the competition kicks off.

This morning we brought you the news that Martinez will join Arsenal, if the Gunners can shift three forwards.

Martinez’ agent has already confirmed the striker will join a ‘top European club’ in the next couple of days:

“The departure from Porto will be a reality in the coming days. Just the details are missing. Porto will receive the full £24.7m of his release clause. Jackson will continue in a top Euopean club.”

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