Coral’s Rumour Reel: Jackson Martinez to snub Arsenal for AC Milan?
Porto poacher Jackson Martinez looks set to refreshingly buck the trend of long-running summer transfer sagas, as Dragons chairman Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa told media that the marksman, an apparent Arsenal target, has already picked a prospective new club.
“Jackson Martinez has chosen Milan. I want him to be happy. Before going on vacation, Jackson announced he wanted to leave. The €35m clause is not up for debate and must be paid. I learned just now that Jackson has chosen Milan,” stated the Porto big-wig.
It seems Borussia Dortmund and Germany playmaker Ilkay Gundogan is playing his cards a lot closer to his chest, however, as the midfielder took to Facebook to tell fans: “What’s next for me personally, I will reveal as soon as possible.
“But only after the season and our important game for the European Championship qualifier with the national team will I decide,” added the 24-year-old, who has one year left on his Dortmund deal and is heavily linked with a switch to European big-guns Barcelona (10/3 with Coral to win the 2015/16 Champions League) or Manchester United (20/1).
In more Man Utd related gossip, the Red Devils are reportedly tracking Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak and could return to raid Diego Simeone’s side for a second stopper, having previously plucked David de Gea, who rivals Real Madrid hope to poach, from the Vicente Calderon.
Meanwhile, Tim Sherwood is rumoured to be eyeing not one but two defenders for Aston Villa, with adaptable soon-to-be free agent Micah Richards and Burnley fullback Kieran Trippier supposedly both on his shopping list. While Trippier may have many suitors, including the likes of Tottenham, Villa could have the upper hand as the Clarets look to capture current Villan Matt Lowton.
In the capital, West Ham United continue to hog the transfer headlines as new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is reportedly ready to make a double swoop for PSG string-puller Yohan Cabaye and ex-Croatia charge Vederan Corluka, who could return for another stint in England after spells with Spurs and Manchester City.