With Adebayor said to be on the verge of an Emirates exit, Wenger has been linked with a replacement, but is he really good enough for Arsenal?
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a long-time admirer of Martins and has been linked consistently with a move for the Nigerian international over the past two seasons.
The time could not be riper for the Frenchman to seal a deal, as his squad would be alarmingly bereft of firepower should Emmanuel Adebayor succumb to the advances of AC Milan.
But The Sun reports Magpies are demanding ?15million for the 23-year-old – a price Wenger is not prepared to match.
Meanwhile, the former Internazionale hitman has grown weary of the constant speculation surrounding his future, having also been linked with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona.
A source close to Martins said: “Oba just doesn’t know what’s going on any more.
“He loves the Toon fans so much but one minute Newcastle are desperate for him to stay, the next they are trying to sell him.
“But he would love to play for Arsene Wenger.” (goal.com)
I am a little shocked by this report. I know that in the past, Wenger has reportedly had some interest in the Nigerian striker, but I really don’t think he is good enough for the club. Given the wealth of talent in this position that have been linked with a move to the north London club which in recent weeks has included the likes of Benzema, Huntelaar and Villa, surely Martins is below that standard of forward?
I am not surprised that Wenger has baulked at the idea of laying out such a fee for the 23-year-old. Wouldn’t a move for Roque Santa Cruz be a better idea? What do Arsenal fans think about the Martins speculation?