Second Summer Signing? Arsenal Close To Signing 25 Goals 10 Assists Winger

Arsenal had been constantly linked to Porto’s Colombian forward Jackson Martinez all summer and many news outlets were reporting it as a done deal. Many fans were already celebrating the fact that their club had finally secured one of European football’s top strikers. Therefore, the news that the 28-year-old striker had rejected a move to the Emirates in favour of a move to Atletico Madrid would have come as a rude surprise to many Gunners.

Martinez himself confirmed this news in the aftermath of Colombia’s exit from the Cops America at the hands of Argentina. He stated :

“I can confirm I am going to Atletico.I am going there for four years, but I still don’t know when I will be introduced.”

Speaking of his time at the Estadio Dragao, the striker said :

“I have had a great progression, always learning, always growing, and now I’m going to Atletico where I hope to help the team and also continue to grow as a player.”

Martinez hopes to emulate his International teammate at his new club, stating :

“I hope to be another Colombian as successful as Falcao was there.”

The news may presently be seen a blow to Arsenal’s ambitions of acquiring a top quality striker. It may , however , prove to be a blessing in disguise for the club in the long run as it may finally pave the way for Arsenal to move on to a bigger and better signing in the form of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Reports have emerged that Arsenal have now entered negotiations with the German club over a deal for the 26 year old Gabon International , and are ready to pay £28.4 million for his services.

Even though Dortmund struggled for the majority of the last season, Aubameyang had a breakout season, impressing with his performances and registering 16 goals and 6 assists in the league. Possessed with devastating speed, the highly rated striker is capable of playing both as a central striker and on either flank. He may be a more natural fit to the Gunners’ playing style than the lanky Martinez, and is two years his junior with perhaps a higher ceiling to his development.

Martinez was reportedly worth a fee of £25 million, just £3 million less than the mooted fee for Aubameyang. However, Aubameyang definitely offers more to Arsenal , and as the cliche goes, their failure in signing Martinez may yet prove as the stepping stone to bigger and better things.