Arsenal transfers: Arsene Wenger talks up Porto star

Arsene Wenger has fuelled the speculation linking Arsenal with summer move for Jackson Martinez by declaring that the Porto star has all of the attributes needed to shine in the Premier League.

The Gunners were strongly linked with a move for the Colombia international last summer but a switch to Emirates Stadium failed to materialise.

Martinez last year revealed his admiration for Arsenal as the speculation linking him with a move to the north London club intensified.

Now, Wenger has claimed that the 28-year-old could be the next big-name player to leave Porto.

Speaking to beIN Sports as part of an interview about Porto, the Arsenal manager outlined why he believes that the forward is well suited to English football.

“[He has] top physical strengths,” said Wenger. “Hugely efficient, he is the kind of player who can make room for himself in the box.

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“He could play in the Premier League because he has the body to make the difference. He uses it in a very intelligent way. Very short back lift and he’s a very good finisher.

“He’s on the list of many clubs, you know that. He will be the next big transfer who will give a big smile to Pinto da Costa [Porto’s owner].”

Porto captain Martinez has been in fine form so far this season. He has scored 16 league goals for the Portuguese outfit and has also netted five times in the Champions League.