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.