Arsenal to sign FC Porto Striker Jackson Martinez

Portuguese newspaper Jornal di Noticias reckon Arsenal have some kind of agreement in principle to sign FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez. Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with a move for the Colombian international

and last night he played what the newspaper reckon would be his goodbye game for Porto. Before the game Jornal di Noticias published an article saying headlined 'Jackson says goodbye with Arsenal in sight' and went on to say they'd (the newspaper) been harassing his agent for information on the situation.
Jackson renewed his Porto contract last year but, much the same as Nico Gaitan at Benfica, he got a lower buyout clause as part of the deal. That saw Jackson's price drop down to €35m, which converts to around £25m. It's stated that Porto would want either the clause or as close to it as possible so a deal being done around the €30m mark would sound quite possible, although Arsenal may aim for cheaper.
Arsenal have been linked with Jackson so much over the past year that even Olivier Giroud has commented on the situation. The big emotional Frenchman told L'Equipe newspaper in February "When they're talking about a guy to play in your place, you take it at you because it's your job. I hear: 'They have Giroud and Welbeck but need a world class striker.'"
Asked if that hurt him, Giroud said "No, but it stings. Recently, there has been a buzz around Jackson Martinez. The coach has said he was good, the player says he would like to come. I learned that before Middlesbrough. It gave me extra motivation. I was very happy to score two goals."
Giroud is set to yet again hear rumours about Jackson taking his job, Arsenal fans will hope it gives the Frenchman motivation to finish the season strongly and fire them to an FA Cup victory against Aston Villa.