Arsenal are set to make Porto striker Jackson Martinez their primary transfer target this summer, according to several reports.
Porto are renowned for producing top talents and then selling them for large transfer sums; James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and Hulk the most prevalent examples over recent years.
The Colombian forward hinted that there were discussions between the parties about a possible transfer last summer and admitted he’d relish the opportunity to join up with the North Londoners.
Speaking last July, he said: "I know that there have been discussions, but still no agreements. As a child I cheered for Arsenal, they play a game that suits me. If I had the occasion to play there, I would say yes."
Arsène Wenger has also fuelled speculation over a swoop for the 28-year-old in a recent interview for beIN Sports on Porto; he heaped praise on Martinez and claimed that he had the necessary attributes to succeed in English football.
Wenger said: “He has top physical strengths. He is hugely efficient; he is the kind of player who can make room for himself in the box.
“He could play in the Premier League because he has the body to make the difference. He uses it in a very intelligent way. He has a very short back lift and he's a very good finisher,” Wenger added.
Martinez is unquestionably one of the hottest properties in Europe; he has scored a phenomenal 85 goals in two and half years. Nevertheless, the major question mark is whether Wenger would be willing to spend around £30m on a 28-year-old; it’s a gamble considering his age, but a gamble that could add potency to Arsenal’s attack.