Arsenal Transfer News: Jackson Martinez Path Clear, Geoffrey Kondogbia Rumours

Reported Arsenal target Jackson Martinez is working with illustrious agent Jorge Mendes in a bid to engineer a move away from Porto this summer.

That’s according to the striker’s current representative Henrique Pompeo, who has insisted that having Mendes in the loop will be to the player’s “benefit” in relation to any transfer.

“It’s a situation that honours us and that will not harm anyone,” said Pompeo, per George Bellshaw of Metro. “On the contrary, Jorge Mendes’ input in this process is to benefit all. Mendes is the ideal partner to any transfer.”

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Bellshaw writes in his piece that Arsenal are in discussions about a £24.7 million move for the Colombia international, as Arsene Wenger bids to add some quality to his forward options.

Martinez isn’t too stylistically different to current first-choice forward Olivier Giroud. The Porto man may be a little more dynamic and has a bit more pace to stretch defences vertically, but he’s at his best when his burly somatotype, refined hold-up play and aerial dominance are all utilised appropriately.

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Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe thinks there could be better options for Arsenal to go after elsewhere, however:

With 28 goals in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, it’s clear that Martinez is a player who knows where the back of the net is. He’d also add a multifaceted dimension to the point of the Gunners’ attack. But given his age and the options Arsenal currently possess, it’s tough to see this one materialising.

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Bleacher Report’s Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas thinks that Wenger needs to bolster other areas of his squad anyway:

At this moment, while Martinez is a fine player, he’s not a forward who will transform Arsenal into title contenders. So the Gunners need a new goalkeeper, defensive additions and a player to stiffen the base of their midfield before they even consider thinking about making a move for the Colombian.

Gunners Facing Competition for Geoffrey Kondogbia

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One player touted as a potential acquisition for Arsenal to add some steel to the heart of the side is young midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. But according to TuttoMercato (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manchester United are also keen on the Monaco man.

Here are the kind of qualities Kondogbia would add to this Arsenal team:

On paper, the Frenchman would be a magnificent acquisition for the Gunners. Not only is Kondogbia astute and reliable on the ball, but he boasts a raw physicality and a collection of defensive instincts that have long been scarce in this Arsenal team.

As noted by Sport Witness, the principality club could be convinced to sell should the Gunners stump up the requisite cash:

What’s especially encouraging for Arsenal supporters is that those who frequent the Emirates got to take a firsthand look at the midfielder. Kondogbia was outstanding as Monaco beat the Londoners 3-1 at the Emirates earlier in the season.

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United could also do with a player of similar qualities at the heart of their midfield, however, and with Champions League football back at Old Trafford next season, Louis van Gaal may fancy his chances of luring the Monaco man to the north-west. If Arsenal were to miss out on Kondogbia to a positional rival, it'd be a major blow.