Arsenal to bid for Jackson Martinez
Portuguese daily A Bola understands that Arsenal are readying January bid for FC Porto star Jackson Martinez.
It is no secret Arsene Wenger is looking to improve his options up front and chances are he will attempt to sign a new striker in the winter.
Having failed in the pursuit of Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain, the Gunners have reportedly made Porto forward Jackson Martinez their number one target.
A Bola claims that Arsenal are prepared to meet the €40 million clause in the player’s contract.
However, they need to act quickly given that the Colombian is currently negotiating a new deal with his current employers that would see his buy-out clause increased to €50m or €60m.
Jackson Martinez, 27, has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, bagging 31 goals in 36 league matches for the Dragons.
Chelsea close on Otamendi
Chelsea are on the verge of agreeing a deal for Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi, according to Marca.
The same source has suggested that the Blues are set to win the chase for the highly rated footballer, who is also a target for Barcelona and Milan.
Jose Mourinho is a big admirer of the Porto defender and he has decided to make his interest concrete with a view of luring the player to Stamford Bridge in January.
Nicolas Otamendi has seen his stock rise a great deal since he joined the Dragons from Velez Sarsfield in the summer of 2010.
The 25-year-old has made a total of 70 league appearances for the club, scoring 6 goals in the process.
He has, however, failed to add to his 15 Argentina caps, having last played for the national team in October 2011.
Abidal invites Valdes to Monaco
Monaco defender Eric Abidal has invited his former teammate Victor Valdes to join him at Stade Louis II.
The Principality Club have long ago opened talks with the Spanish keeper, who has decided to leave Barcelona when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Monaco appear close to persuading the 31-year-old to move to French Ligue 1, and club captain Eric Abidal is also prepared to help.
“If we play in the Champions League, I recommend him to sign for us. It would be a good option for him,” the veteran defender told Cadena Cope.
Monaco have enjoyed a brilliant start to the new league campaign, having picked up 18 points from first 8 fixtures.
Claudio Ranieri’s side currently lead the chase in French Ligue 1 and they are no less than 5/2 to lift the league trophy this term.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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