Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting CP midfielder Gelson Martins ahead of a potential move in the summer. According to recent reports, the Gunners are planning to secure the services of the Portuguese international during the ongoing transfer period. It is believed that the new Arsenal boss Unai Emery is keen on strengthening his midfield ahead of the new season and Martins fits the bill perfectly.
Some sources are now claiming that the North London giants are weighing up their options and could make an offer for the Sporting ace in this post-season. However, the Portuguese side are eager to hold off any interest and retain the services of their prized asset for the time being. Recent reports have also suggested that tensions are running high at the Estádio José Alvalade after the club’s president Bruno de Carbalho threatened to hand suspensions to 19 of his squad members through a social media platform back in April.
Martins has put in a number of majestic displays for the Lisbon-based club during the course of last season which has not gone unnoticed. His current contract with the Portuguese giants is set to expire in the summer of 2022 which means that the club will be under no pressure to sell. However, the 23-year-old has a release clause of £52.7m in his contract which could pave the way for him to make a move away from the Portuguese capital in the summer.
The North London side only managed to acquire a disappointing 6th placed finish in the English top-flight last term which will see them not take part in the UEFA Champions League in the upcoming campaign. Hence, Unai Emery needs to bring in some fresh faces during this ongoing transfer period so that his team can compete for top honours and obtain a top 4 finish next year.
The potential acquisition of Martins will definitely bolster Emery’s midfield options at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have a lot of midfield talents in their ranks such as Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny competing for a starting berth in Emery’s first eleven. The addition of Martins will add more competition for places within the Gunners squad and improve their team significantly in the years to come.
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The Portuguese international had featured in 52 matches for Sporting CP last season, scoring 13 goals while creating 13 assists across all competitions. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Martins and whether the talented winger ends up moving to North London this summer.
