Arsenal have been strongly pursuing a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Gelson Martins but latest reports claim former Gunner and current AS Monaco manager, Thierry Henry has swooped in on the Portuguese winger.
The legendary figure at North London has taken on the head coaching position at a club who is trying to avoid relegation from the Ligue 1 this season. Henry has already managed to strengthen since taking over by signing 3 players – Naldo, Fodo Toure and Cesc Fabregas.
After a 1-5 home loss against Strasbourg last weekend, Monaco sits 19th in the French top-flight and Henry is determined to change that. Martins is an explosive athlete who would offer more into any team’s attack.
Unai Emery has been mostly preoccupied with bringing in Denis Suarez from Barcelona this January but a deal has not been finalised yet. With his limitations to only sign players on loan this month, the Spanish boss has targetted the out-of-favour winger who has managed under 450 minutes of playing time under Diego Simeone so far this season.
Obviously, the footballing world is aware of the financial prowess of AS Monaco, who are not afraid to move Martins out of the Wanda Metropolitano permanently. As Atletico plans on signing Alvaro Morata from Chelsea, Simeone might not be too opposed to a cash deal which Arsenal cannot offer.
We might just have to wait and see if Emery can finesse a way to pry Martins away from Henry.
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