Arsenal Still Have No Transfer Business With Jackson Martinez

Arsenal’s frustrating link with Jackson Martinez is continuing despite all the signs pointing to the simple fact that this deal will never happen.

Few transfer rumors will get me as riled up as the prospect of Jackson Martinez coming over to Arsenal. Rumors that tie Edinson Cavani or Robert Lewandowski to Arsenal are also frustrating but at least they’re fun to think about. There is nothing fun to think about in regards to Martinez at the Emirates. Especially lately.

Related Story: Danny Welbeck Needs To Prove Something Fast

Arsenal were heavy favorites to land Martinez last summer but Atletico Madrid landed his services. Whether or not Arsenal was ever interested is still up to question but given the return he has provided for Madrid, let’s hope they weren’t.

Martinez has played just over 1000 minutes for Atletico and tallied just three goals and three assists. While Diego Simeone has dismissed this and noted that both Vietto and Correa have struggled as well, the fact is that those two are young, talented prospects with time to develop. Jackson Martinez is nearly 30. He is seeing life in the major five leagues for the first time and it is not going well.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Some may point to his ability to score in European competitions for Porto as proof that he will come around, but there are two arguments to use against that. First of all, and I may have mentioned this, but he’s almost 30! There is not an abundance of time to turn it around. For the price they paid (£26m), there should be little to no acclimation time. Spain is not a physical league and Martinez gets his goals from using his strength.

The second argument was just mentioned. Spain is not a physical league. If this was a slow start in the EPL, then sure, give him a season. But in Spain, he needs to be producing more.

What makes this version of the rumor entertaining is the nature of it. Supposedly Arsenal have been dealt a ‘blow’ (via the Express) because Atletico are going to use Jackson Martinez to formulate a trade with Chelsea to get Diego Costa back. Read that back a few times if you need to.

More from Arsenal Transfer Rumours

• Arsenal Transfers: Emile Smith Rowe could leave club before summer deadline
• Arsenal Transfers: Gabriel will not be leaving this summer
• Why Arsenal could sell Folarin Balogun to London rivals
• 5 defenders Arsenal could sign after Jurrien Timber injury
• Why was Kieran Tierney left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad?

There are so many routes to take to prove this to be farcical, but let’s do a bit of a speed round to save time. Diego Costa likes Chelsea, Chelsea need Costa, Martinez is not worth much, Costa already left Madrid, Martinez just got to Madrid, Simeone will give Martinez time and Chelsea already signed another striker in Pato.

So what would make this seem believable? Let alone that bit about how Arsenal are still linked to him.

Jackson Martinez uses the same strengths as Olivier Giroud, only he isn’t as good at using them. He’s not as big, not as strong, and not as hulking. He does have more pace, but that’s it. I believe it has become perfectly clear that Wenger is not going to sign another true striker. Walcott and Welbeck will be the cavalry should they be needed.

Next: Olivier Giroud Has Created A Fortress At Striker

Giroud is it. He’s the guy. Jackson Martinez has no future at the Emirates.