Arsenal Transfer News: Rumours on Jackson Martinez, Jordy Clasie

FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez reportedly favours a transfer move to Arsenal over Manchester United after hearing Arsene Wenger's praise for his abilities, according to the Express' David Wright.

The French manager took his time to compliment the Colombia international recently, leading to plenty of speculation he would be at the top of the team's wish list at the end of the season. Per Wright, he said:

"He could play in the Premier League, Jackson Martinez, because he has the body to make the difference. He uses in a very intelligent way his body, very short backlift and is a very good finisher."

The Portuguese press now believes Martinez, who has already indicated he wants to leave Porto at the end of the current campaign, has his eyes set on a move to the Emirates.

As shared by football writer Kristian Sturt, the feeling is reportedly mutual:

"

Arsene Wenger has reportedly said off the record that he will try to sign Jackson Martinez in the summer. #AFC

— Transfer News (@FootieWriter) February 14, 2015"

The 28-year-old forward has been the subject of transfer rumours for years now after impressing in Portugal. Combining all of the athletic tools you look for in a striker with incredible finishing ability, he's regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in the world.

His recent production for Porto has been more than just impressive, via Squawka football:

That said, a move for Martinez won't come without any risks. His numbers in Europe are solid but not as good as his domestic statistics, and he's routinely passed over in favour of other strikers when he plays for the national team. Even with Radamel Falcao out of the 2014 World Cup, he failed to become the regular starter.

Porto have a reputation for being shrewd negotiators and won't let their biggest star leave the club at a discount—any team that wants Martinez in the squad next season will have to pay top dollar.

His ability in the air and his tremendous speed indicate he would be a good fit in the fast-paced Premier League, but the step up in level from Portugal will be huge. Teams will have to bank on Martinez making a smooth transition, which won't be a given.

The Colombian will be a popular transfer target, however, as he should be. If Arsenal were to land him this summer, he could potentially transform the entire attack. Combining Olivier Giroud's ability to finish with Danny Welbeck's pace, the Gunners could get the best of both worlds.

Another player looking for a move at some point in the future is Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie, but as reported by the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson, the Dutch star could turn down a host of Premier League clubs for a move to Serie A. He said: "Right now I'm 100 per cent focused on Feyenoord, but I nurture the dream of playing abroad someday, perhaps in Italy."

Like Martinez, the 23-year-old midfielder has been a popular name in transfer rumours for several years now, and he was previously linked with a move to the Red Devils, following the appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager, via Anderson.

Clasie played under Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup and has developed into an excellent facilitator in midfield, drawing comparisons to Barcelona legend Xavi. Per Dutch Football, he's keeping a level head:

"

Jordy Clasie on being called the Dutch Xavi by Italian media, "I would not compare myself with such a top player." pic.twitter.com/jrYbjt53Mq

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) February 18, 2015"

The Netherlands international is not expected to demand a huge sum from potential suitors, despite his obvious talent, so while the Gunners have no clear need for another playmaker in midfield, he could be an interesting target.

Liverpool and Manchester United are also likely to be interested in his services once he decides to leave the Netherlands, but Italian teams will be in the mix as well. And while these latest comments don't necessarily rule out a move to the Premier League, clubs from the peninsula will certainly have the advantage.

Follow @ReverschPass