Arsenal Transfer News: Jackson Martinez Deal Cleared by Porto Amid £29m Rumours

Porto have cleared the way for Arsenal to sign Jackson Martinez, the Portuguese side's star striker, admitting they are prepared to sell the Colombian.

Jamie Sanderson of Metro quotes the Portuguese giants' club president, Pinto da Costa, speaking about the player, revealing they have agreed with Martinez to let him exit.

"Jackson [Martinez] almost left last summer but we agreed he’d stay one more year," the executive said. "If somebody pays [his value] he will go."

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Sanderson says Arsenal are planning a £29.5 million offer for the attacker, which should meet Porto's valuation of his talents and force through a move to the Emirates. 

The 28-year-old has once again been in sensational form for his club this season, scoring 21 times in 27 appearances in the Portuguese league and UEFA Champions League, per WhoScored.com, with Squawka highlighting the player's impressive record in recent weeks:

His prolific nature will surely see him end up in either the Premier League or La Liga, and it seems Arsene Wenger will now make Jackson his next big-money signing.

David Wright of the Daily Express says Martinez now "favours" a move to north London after hearing Wenger's recent comments about his ability.

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

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

And the player also admitted his spell at Porto is about to come to an end, saying it is time for him to find a new experience, according to Wright.

"In the summer I’ll leave Porto for a new team," Martinez said. "Players develop well in Portugal, and I thank the club for making me the player I am today. However, it’s time for a new adventure, to grow from a professional point of view."

Martinez and Arsenal are the perfect fit. Last summer, Wenger purchased Danny Welbeck to give Arsenal tactical variation in the striker's role, but Jackson's eye for goal will make him the perfect alternative for Olivier Giroud.

Giroud has performed well since his recent return from injury, but he would struggle to start ahead of Jackson if the Colombia international arrives in the next transfer window.

Welbeck simply does not offer enough goals to compete for a place as Arsenal's main striker, and his future might lie elsewhere with Theo Walcott now returning. 

Martinez would thrive in an environment containing Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, one with so much creativity on offer for attackers.

A bona-fide goalscorer would make Arsenal genuine Premier League contenders once again. The club would possess a world-class lineup able to attack and dismantle any defence it faces in England or abroad.