Arsenal Transfer News: Jackson Martinez Move Backed, Latest Petr Cech Rumours

Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Porto striker Jackson Martinez has been backed by club legend Thierry Henry.

The former Gunners forward, who scored a whopping 228 goals for the Londoners, per the club's official website, has claimed the Colombian powerhouse would be a fine option for the Emirates club but has given his support to current point-man Olivier Giroud, too, per Richard Parry of the London Evening Standard:

"

[Jackson Martinez] can be a good fit. But you already have the likes of Giroud who looks a bit like him as a striker in the way they play, with their back to the goal. He can be a good addition. He had a good season in the Champions League but you have guys already.

I think Giroud is more or less the same type of guy. I guess maybe Martinez is a bit more powerful and can run a bit more in behind but we'll see what Arsene's going to do.

"

SCOTT HEPPELL/Associated Press

As noted in Parry’s piece, the 28-year-old striker, who scored 28 goals in Liga Sagres and Champions League matches for the Portuguese giants last season according to WhoScored.com, has been courted by a host of European football’s most illustrious names. Both Milan and Internazionale have been strongly linked, as well as the Gunners.

There are few more qualified to assess Arsenal’s options up front than Henry, and his standpoint is a difficult one to argue against here, too. While Martinez is clearly a top-quality No. 9, he wouldn’t be an excessive upgrade on Giroud, if at all.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

If Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is to bolster his forward options, it should be with a proven world-class performer; maybe with someone like Real Madrid's Karin Benzema. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Johnson took a look at how he would potentially fit in with the Gunners:

Martinez would certainly add a rounded, physical edge to Arsenal’s offensive forays and has the technical skills to link up well with the silky midfielders that Wenger loves to use. But given what would surely be a significant transfer fee, his age and the stylistic similarities with Giroud, at this juncture the Colombian would be a luxury purchase.

Tomas Rosicky Discusses Petr Cech Interest

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Arsenal’s veteran midfield man Tomas Rosicky has admitted he’s spoken to Czech Republic team-mate Petr Cech about a potential move to the Gunners and has hailed the potential impact he would have in north London.

When quizzed on whether the Chelsea icon had asked Rosicky about life at the Emirates, the 34-year-old midfielder was unashamed in his admiration for his compatriot, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror:

"

I would be lying if I told you no. But I’ve said already that I will not interfere. Petr will have a lot of options to go to a lot of clubs. He has always been up there with the top keepers, for sure.

Obviously, Petr is a very experienced guy who has so many things behind him. He has won so many things in his career. He would improve many teams in Europe and you can never have enough good players to choose from. Obviously he is a great keeper.

"

DOLEZAL MICHAL/Associated Press

It’s been a while since the Gunners had a man between the sticks who would genuinely be considered as a "great" talent. So it’s easy to see why Wenger is reportedly very interested in signing the Blues stopper, as noted by Cross.

For Arsenal supporters, the Chelsea man would fill a longstanding void in their squad. Therefore, it’s little surprise Bleacher Report’s James McNicholas claimed Cech should be Wenger’s top priority this summer:

The goalkeeper position is such an important facet of any squad, especially those teams, like Arsenal, who are looking to challenge for top honours. Consistency is imperative in goal, but the Gunners have fluctuated between Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina as of late; it’s a quality Cech would add in spades, in terms of regular appearances and his immaculate standard of performances.

If the Gunners can get this one over the line, the Blues legend’s array of qualities, including fundamental goalkeeping skills, steely leadership and a refined winning mentality, could convert this team into title challengers. But with that in mind, any reluctance to sell on the part of Chelsea would be understandable and expected.