Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Jackson Martinez, Stephan El Shaarawy Rumours

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has admitted negotiations with Porto over striker Jackson Martinez are "difficult," providing Arsenal with a route back toward the player's signature.

As reported by Italian publication La Stampa (h/t Tom Olver of the Metro) Galliani suggests other sides remain in the frame to land the Colombian's services. "It's a difficult negotiation," said the Milan chief. "There are a lot of other clubs interested in the player, his wishes will be crucial."

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On Wednesday, B/R UK's Matteo Bonetti passed along word from Gazzetta dello Sport that Milan have confirmed a deal with the player:

Ben Fairthorne of CNN believes Gunners boss Arsene Wenger isn't interested in Martinez and may decide against strengthening his attacking options during the summer:

Arsenal continue to be linked with the £25.5 million hitman, as reported by Nicholas Godden of MailOnline.

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"Jackson's future is already pretty much decided," his agent, Henrique Pompeo, told O Jogo (h/t Godden). "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."

At 29 years old, Martinez can provide a few years of quality to his new side. He's powerful and pacey, and, most importantly, he's a natural goalscorer. Martinez netted 21 in 30 appearances during the 2014-15 Portuguese league season, not to mention seven in eight Champions League displays, per WhoScored.com.

Wenger has quality options in Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, but neither can be relied on to deliver a title. A third striking option is needed, especially considering the aforementioned duo's recent injury problems.

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Milan's transfer business could be key to Arsenal's summer. The Gunners are linked with versatile forward Stephan El Shaarawy, a player who may be open to a move, according to his brother and agent, Manuel, as reported by David Wright of the Express: 

"

He's happy at Milan. Let's see what happens with the team this summer, the transfer campaign seems a bit different from recent years. A move for El Shaarawy? There have been several teams interested, Stephan is a player who lots of teams like.

There were several offers, both in January and now in the summer, offers which we looked at. We can't rule anything out, the transfer market is always the transfer market.

"

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently looked at other under-the-radar signings who might interest Wenger:

El Shaarawy doesn't offer an improvement on the forwards Arsenal already possess. He scored just three goals in 18 Serie A appearances during the 14-15 campaign and hasn't put together a memorable run of form in some time. He's tricky and hard-working, but El Shaarawy's lack of final product continues to halt his potential.

Wenger needs players who are going to make a difference. The basis of his squad is excellent, so a couple of world-class additions could genuinely turn Arsenal into title contenders. Martinez has the quality to score at any club, but he'd only be a short-term solution for the north London club.

El Shaarawy shouldn't be considered, especially with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and others at Emirates Stadium. He'd struggle to land a consistent run in the first-team, and as Fairthorne's tweet notes, the funds may be better spent away from attack.