Huge boost for Arsenal in pursuit of Gelson Martins

The Gunners wants him as a long term replacement for Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal endured an underwhelming season as they failed to win any silverware in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign. They finished 6th in the Premier League, reached the Carabao Cup final and the Europa League semi-final.

Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager of the Gunners and is charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.

The Spaniard is expected to be busy in the summer transfer window in order to strengthen the squad for next season but has been given a budget of just £50 million.They are looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the top four again but are looking at cheap options.

Head of recruitment Sven Mislintat in overdrive seeking out bargain buys and has already completed the signing of Stephan Lichsteiner from Juventus on a free transfer.

Arsenal have been handed a major boost after top target Gelson Martins terminated his contract with Sporting Lisbon, reports Dailystar.

Martins came through the ranks of the Portuguese club and was promoted to the senior squad in the summer of 2015. He is considered one of the biggest talents of the club in the past few years.

The 23 year old was a regular for the club last season, scoring 11 goals and assisting 9 in 47 appearances. His displays attracted attention from many top clubs.

There were reports earlier that the former PSG boss was interested in signing the winger as a long term replacement for Alexis Sanchez and was preparing a bid for him. But now could sign him on a free transfer, who would usually command a fee of around £30 million.

The Portuguese outfit are in complete turmoil at present due to an ongoing spat between a number of players and club president Bruno de Carvalho. The players were attacked by 50 masked men outside their training complex last month after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Martins along with 4 other players have asked the club to terminate their contracts and will leave on a free transfer.