Wenger Chases Martins - ReportArsene Wenger is planning a £15 million bid for Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins according to reports.
After seeing his Arsenal side end the season trophy less once more, Wenger is keen to bolster his squad and the Nigerian striker is apparently top of his wanted list.
Although Arsenal have good options up front with Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin Van Persie, Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner all fighting for places, injuries have disrupted their season and Wenger is desperate to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
Whilst Adebayor has had a fantastic season scoring 24 league goals, both Van Persie and Eduardo have faced long spells out injured and Wenger feels extra cover is need to solve this problem. It is also uncertain whether Bendtner has a future at the Emirates after a less than convincing season. The Danish striker has only managed four league goals all season.
Martins meanwhile has begun to thrive under Kevin Keegan and his improved performances have no doubt caught Wenger’s attention.
The Nigerian, whose season was disrupted by the African Cup of Nations, has still managed nine league goals this season, including three in his last five games as Newcastle’s form has picked up in recent weeks.
Martins is famed for his blistering pace and also has European experience with former club Inter Milan, both of which make him an attractive proposition to Arsene Wenger.
However, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, who has made keeping Martins’ fellow striker Michael Owen at St James’ Park his number one transfer priority, is likely to be reluctant to let Martins leave.
Keegan’s new strategy of playing his three strikers Martins, Viduka and Owen has paid dividends recently and Martins has become an integral part of his squad. But it is believed a move to London would attract the Nigerian and a bid of £15 million may just be enough to tempt Newcastle. |
發表於 2008-5-5 05:02 PM
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