Arsenal look to £30m Jackson Martinez to fire them to the title

Arsenal have surpassed all expectations with their start to the Premier League, sitting at the summit of the division going into the second half of the season.

Meszut Ozil’s signing has inspired the Gunners to a sublime opening 20 games but Arsene Wenger knows he must add to his squad while they are in such a healthy position if the 4/1 shot are to win a first title in a decade.

One player high on the Frenchman’s shopping list is the Porto striker Jackson Martinez.

It is no secret that the London club need a forward to support Olivier Giroud, with the current options a rejuvenated but unreliable Nicklas Bendtner or playing the likes of Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski through the middle.

The Colombian has made it clear he desires a move to England on numerous occasions but new quotes surfacing from South America suggest the Emirates would be his dream destination.

‘I cheered for Arsenal when I was a kid – I love their style of play,’ Martinez told the media.

‘It’s flowing and open with a lot of first touch passes. It would be suitable for a player like me. If I get a chance to play for a high level club like Arsenal I wouldn’t hesitate to accept it.’

The 27-year-old has notched an impressive 38 goals in 44 outings for the Portuguese champions.

In his debut season he finished as the Primeira Liga’s top scorer and has continued his goal-getting form this term, chalking up 12 strikes in just 14 appearances.

One stumbling block in any potential deal is the supposed £30m price tag on the head of a player who has played just one and a half seasons in Europe.

Wenger is renowned for not over spending but his move for Ozil in the summer seems to have signalled a new transfer policy and this could be a gamble that is too tempting to turn down.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim three £10 free bets when you bet £10