64 Games, 49 Goals – Chelsea or Arsenal? Who Should Sign This Beast Striker?

This transfer window is no different and yet again we see him being linked with a host of European powerhouses on the lookout for offensive reinforcements. He himself has reportedly stated that he is interested in a move to the Premier League, and Arsenal and Chelsea in particular. Here’s a look at the two possible destinations and which would suit him best.

1. Arsenal

Arsenal will undoubtedly be lining up some offensive reinforcements, with Olivier Giroud the main striker available to Arsene Wenger. His dip in form over the last few weeks, following a great start to the season, has contributed to intense speculation of Arsenal signing a striker in January. With the funds being available, Arsenal will certainly be a serious contender for his signature.

Tactically, Martinez plays as the main focal point of 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to the role currently being played by Giroud. The only difference is that Arsenal’s possession-based passing style requires a measured build-up which demands the striker link-up with the midfield runners, while Jackson’s role at Porto is comparatively more direct.

Even though incorporating Martinez in Arsenal’s setup may require some adjustments, the South American’s talents could provide Arsene Wenger with an alternative in attack that is currently lacking, and may even open up the possibility of a partnership between Martinez and Giroud.

As far as Martinez is concerned, it will provide him an opportunity to link-up with some of the top talents in the game in Ozil and Cazorla, and may help him become a more rounded striker, and make him an even more prolific hitman.

2. Chelsea

Jose Mourinho should be crying out for a striker with summer signing Samuel Eto’o failing to find the back of the net on a regular basis. Their other strikers, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba too have been far from prolific this season, and have constantly been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Poor finishing have nearly cost Chelsea on many occasions this season, and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is desperate for a clinical striker. Martinez’s continued prolific form for Porto means that he has been linked with a move to the Blues, and he would undoubtedly be a great fit for the role of spearheading the Chelsea attack.

Martinez’s addition would provide Chelsea with a clinical finisher who has a proven track record, albeit in the less competitive Portuguese league. In addition, his physical presence and pace would lend more cutting edge to Chelsea’s direct style of play, and would be a further step along Mourinho’s counter-attack based philosophy.

So, where should he go? Chelsea or Arsenal? Conclusion on next page,

The Verdict

With Martinez being linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea, it will undoubtedly be a tough decision for the Colombian should he get offers from both the London sides. However, looking at the two sides, and the fact that the 27-year old will probably be entering the peak of his career, it would be a wiser move to join Arsenal.

At Arsenal, he will face less competition for a place in the team week in and week out, and that will give him time to settle into the side and adjust to the Premier League. With players like Cazorla and Ozil in their ranks, the Colombian will never be starved for scoring opportunities and scoring goals will be really high up on his agenda, especially in a World Cup year. That being said, he will have to modify his game slightly to adapt to Arsenal’s passing game, a change which will undoubtedly make him a better player.

Scouting Jackson Martinez (Video),