Arsenal looking at Martins to replace Henry

Nigerian international Obafemi Martins moved to Newcastle from Inter Milan last summer and scored an impressive 17 goals in his first Premiership season. Arsene Wenger is looking for a replacement for the newly departed Theirry Henry and it looks like Martins fits the bill. Arsenal are prepared to meet the player’s 13m pound buyout clause.

Arsenal have yet to make any formal approach for the striker but it has prompted Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce to urge Obafemi Martins to reject any offer from Arsenal and stay at the club. He plans a sit down with the player at the next possible opportunity.

I doubt it will work. Martins would probably relish the chance to play for Arsenal and after proving himself in the Premiership is well worth the 13m pound buyout clause, especially considering Charlton’s wild overvaluation of Darren Bent.

Should Arsenal be able to make the deal, it would potentially be a saving grace. Martins could be considered a poor man’s Samuel Eto’o as the two have similar attributes. 17 goals in a season with injuries is impressive, and at 22 he has plenty of upside and would come at a much better price.