Arsenal Transfer News: Petr Cech Expected Within 4 Weeks, Jackson Martinez

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is “very optimistic” he can bring Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to the Emirates Stadium prior to pre-season training.

That’s according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who writes that Cech remains a major target for the Gunners and that he could be an Arsenal player by the time the squad returns to begin preparation for the 2015-16 season. Wenger’s men returned for pre-season on July 8 last year, per the club’s official website.

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As noted by Cross, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reluctant to let someone of Cech’s experience and quality leave Stamford Bridge. However, the player’s outstanding 11-year contribution to the Blues is likely to earn him the right to select his next employer, and it looks increasingly likely that will be Arsenal.

It’s a transfer that would please plenty who frequent the Emirates, as Bleacher Report Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas notes here:

Though he’s now 33 years old, Cech still has plenty to offer at the very highest level. He might have fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea after the emergence of Thibaut Courtois, but the Blues legend is still one of the finest goalkeepers around, not only in the Premier League but in Europe too.

As noted by OptaJoe, the Czech Republic international has been a model of consistency during his time in England:

It’s consistency and reliability the Gunners desperately need in this position. Wojciech Szczesny is talented but too erratic to be considered a top goalkeeper, while David Ospina revealed some flaws late in the 2014-15 campaign despite being a popular option with the supporters. Cech would be a major upgrade on both.

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Cech has also proved himself to be a leader and a winner in addition to somebody who makes critical contributions at vital moments. If Arsenal are to propel themselves back toward the summit of the Premier League, this purchase would expedite that process better than any other.

Jackson Martinez In Demand

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Arsenal look as though they’re going to have to fight off interest from a host of other potential suitors if they’re to land rumbustious Porto centre-forward Jackson Martinez, with Milan, Valencia and Liverpool all reportedly keen.

Here’s the kind of quality he would add to Wenger’s offensive options:

According to David Amoyal of Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio's website, the Rossoneri are currently the front-runners for the Colombian's signature, while Primera Liga side Valencia are also in the hunt alongside the Gunners. Marc Williams of the Daily Star claims that Liverpool still have an interest too.

But as noted in Williams’ piece, speaking with O Jogo, Martinez’s agent, Luiz Henrique Pompeo, has stated everything is in place for his client to take the next step in his career, saying the player will cost €35 million. He didn't confirm the exact club in question, though:

"

Things should be clarified in the next few days. He’ll go to a big European club, which will be announced as soon as the contract is signed.

From what’s been agreed, Porto will receive the €35m from the release clause.

Negotiations have been underway for a few weeks, there are still some details to be sorted out, and then Jackson Martinez’s departure from Porto can become a reality.

"

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Pompeo has also teased the prospect of Martinez linking up with former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, per Dylan Fahy of The Independent:

At this juncture, the “big European club” mentioned is unlikely to be Arsenal, but Gunners supporters shouldn’t wory too much if the player does slip through their fingers.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks Milan, which appears to be Martinez’s most likely destination at this juncture, isn’t the right move for a player he clearly rates very highly:

He doesn’t seem the right fit for Arsenal, though. Martinez is clearly a thoroughbred goalscorer and a player who would add impetus to the Gunners in attacking areas. But he’ll be 29 in October, and as such, €35 million would be an extortionate amount to pay.

Plus, in Olivier Giroud, Arsenal currently have an option stylistically similar to the Colombia international. The Frenchman has already proved himself to be a capable target man and a fine goalscorer, so if the Gunners are going to spend big money on a striker this summer, it should be on a player who can offer the team’s offensive forays a refreshing edge.