Football Transfer Rumors: Jackson Martinez Draws Multiple Interest, But Reportedly Close to Sign With AC Milan

Jun 23, 2015 06:32 AM EDT

(Photo : Getty Images) PORTO, PORTUGAL - APRIL 15: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Bayern Muenchen fouls Jackson Martinez of FC Porto to concede a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between FC Porto and FC Bayern Muenchen at Estadio do Dragao on April 15, 2015 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Speculations are piling up about Jackson Martinez's potential destination these past few days. Many teams are interested for the service of the Colombian striker who are currently under contract with Porto, including Spanish La Liga power Atletico de Madrid and European club giant AC Milan, via Express.co.uk

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According to sources, Martinez is thought to be headed to the Vicente Calderon to play for Atletico Madrid next season. However, Italian giants AC Milan have also expressed interest in bringing the Porto striker who has a €35 million release clause to San Siro this summer.

Gianluca Di Marzio staff Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Martinez already had a verbal agreement with AC Milan, thought the deal isn't yet official. On the other hand, 2013-14 La Liga Champions Atletico De Madrid remains in contention for Martinez, though Diego Simeone favors more on acquiring Javier Hernandez.

Atletico De Madrid was reportedly open to pay the €35 million release clause of Martinez. The La Liga club would be a great destination for the consistent Porto striker for sure as football pundits believes he's perfect fit to Simeone's system. Another thing why Atletico likes to acquire the 28-year-old Colombian is to give them an insurance in case Mario Mandzukic decides to leave this summer. Sources indicated that Mandzurkic is expected to join Juventus in Turin, Italy next season.

Martinez, described by many as an in and out goal scorer, was effective in his position and can finish with either foot. At his time at Porto from 2012 to 2015, he racked up 92 goals in all competitions. He was a consistent 30-plus goal scorer per year during his time with Portugues ballclub, having only one sub-30 goals season in three years and that happened during 2013-14 when he scored 29 goals, according to ESPN FC.

Aside from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, the Colombian striker is also being linked to Arsenal FC via Evening Standard. While Martinez is on duty playing for the 2015 Copa America with Colombia, AC Milan are certain they can win the bid for the striker. The Italian ball club stressed they already have a deal in place after a productive discussion with Martinez's agent and all they need is his medical and signature to seal the deal.

TagsJackson Martinez, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Football Transfer Rumors