According to the Mirror, Chelsea are close to securing the services of Porto’s Colombian striker, Jackson Martinez.

The newspaper, running with a story first found in Portuguese paper, ‘A Bola‘, reports that Martinez’ agent, Henrique Pompeo, flew to London this week for secret talks with Roman Abramovich’s personal aide, Marina Granovskaia.

The 27-year-old striker spoke of his desire to move on from the Portuguese Primeira Liga only a few weeks ago,

‘The years are passing and one day I hope to make a good transfer,’ Martinez is quoted as saying by talkSport.

The £35m asking price seems a little steep for a player unproven on the biggest stage; and Chelsea will look to haggle the price down, as Jose Mourinho looks for a cheaper alternative to Radamel Falcao.

Some of the Chelsea faithful may have reservations over the player; but with a record of 44 goals in 58 games for Porto; his signing could be a shrewd one.

Meanwhile, Arsenal look to be in pole position for Barca’s striking prodigy, Tony Sanabria.

According to Mundo Depotivo, the 17-year-old Paraguayan striker could well be on the move to North London, as Barca are struggling to convince the player his future lies in Spain.

Aside from Tottenham showing an interest, both Arsenal and Roma are said to have been in for the player; with Le 10 Sport adding that Sanabria’s agent Raúl Verdú, is currently mulling over offers from the two clubs.

Considered one of the brightest products of La Masia in recent years, Barca may regret losing yet another young star if Arsene Wenger can persuade his man to move.

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