Arsenal and Man Utd target showcases talents in Portugal clash
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Jackson Martinez already boasts a fine reputation for scoring with alarming regularity in the Portuguese Super Liga, but the Colombian was able to highlight another commendable side to his game against Sporting Lisbon at the weekend.
Linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, having already expressed a desire to leave Porto at the end of the season, the Gunners remain 14/1 outsiders to land the 28-year-old according to Ladbrokes.
But after a week in which Olivier Giroud racked up just one goal from 12 attempts over two games for the Gunners – with just one of those efforts on target – it could be time for Arsene Wenger to revise his assessment of the French forward.
Manchester United lead the way in the betting to land the South American hitman, with the Red Devils priced at 5/1 with the bookmaker, though the player is likely to command a hefty transfer fee.
In 122 outings for Porto over the past three seasons Martinez has racked up 86 goals in 122 games.
Yet this record fails to highlight another key facet to the 28-year-old’s game – his ability to not only improvise when the situation demands it, but also lay on goals for his teammates.
The Colombian’s skill and quick thinking was on display for all to see against Sporting Lisbon this weekend, however, with the striker setting up on-loan Barcelona winger Tello for the first goal in a 3-0 derby victory.
Controlling the ball on his chest, Martinez delivered a superb back-heel flick that doubled as a through pass for his Porto teammate, who duly finished off the move.
He went on to set up another for Tello in a display that is likely to have only enhanced his reputation among his Premier League suitors and may have even added a few extra million onto his summer price tag.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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