With Adebayor on the verge of an Emirates exit, Arsenal are apparently already planning a raid on Newcastle United for a replacement.
Arsenal are set to make a surprise move for Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor if he is sold – but will not pay the club’s £15million valuation.
Manager Arsene Wenger is understood to be a big fan of Martins and is keen to bring the 23-year-old to the Emirates, reports The Sun.
But even if Adebayor is sold to AC Milan or Barcelona for £32million, Wenger will not pay Newcastle anymore than £11m for the striker.
The Nigerian is thought to have a £13m release clause in his contract and and that can be triggered if he asks for a transfer.
Martins had agreed a new £80,000-a-week contract on Tyneside but the club did not complete the paperwork and the offer has been withdrawn.
A Martins source told The Sun: “It is a shock Newcastle cannot find the money any more for his new deal but he is a player a lot of clubs want.”
Adebayor’s future is still in doubt. He said he was staying at Arsenal then insisted the club should accept a good offer for him. (Daily Mail)
Will Arsenal pay Martins the £80k he is seeking? Yes they pay William Gallas a similar amount, but that was down in no small part to the fact he came as part of a swap deal and therefore didn’t cost anything to sign in the first place. I really don’t see Obafemi as a potential Gunners star and, if Wenger does get as much as 32m for Emmanuel, then he will surely look abroad for a replacement of a better standard.
What do Arsenal fans think, is Martins good enough for the club?