Arsenal and Liverpool Target Jackson Martinez is Open to Staying with FC Porto

Arsenal and Liverpool have suffered a blow in their chase for Jackson Martinez as the striker has revealed that he is perfectly happy to stay at Porto during the upcoming season.

According to French newspaper Le10sport, the Colombian striker, who was on the radar for various top European clubs, is happy to stay in Portugal and honour his existing contract with his current employers.

"It's okay to talk about my possible start, I hear the same thing every month.I can concentrate on my work and my club with which I have two year contract," Martinez said.

Arsenal have been linked with various strikers over the summer as Olivier Giroud is the only experienced out-and-out striker currently in the Gunners squad. Even though they have brought in Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, they will need an experienced backup for the Frenchman, in case of injury.

Liverpool are in the market to strengthen their frontline after the departure of Luis Suarez. They have already made multiple signings and added offensive midfield players but they have only Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert as the recognised strikers in the squad.

The Reds were close to completing a deal for French international striker Loic Remy, but pulled out at the last minute, with reports indicating that the player failed to pass his medical with the club.

Apart from the Gunners and the Reds, Manchester United and Chelsea were also interested in signing the Colombian international.

However, the 27-year-old striker, who has been in impressive form during his time with Porto, has said that he is happy to remain with his current employers, and never intended to leave. The striker has left his future in the hands of his club for now.

"If I'm going to stay here?Yes, for now yes.I do not think about something else, because there is nothing.I never said I was leaving.The club say what it has to say if an offer comes to me.But what I think least about, is to prepare my departure.I'm glad to FC Porto and I hope to stay until the end of my contract," the Colombian international added.

Martinez has two more years left on his current contract, and has a release clause of £32m. However, the Portuguese club are keen to hold on to their star forward and are preparing a new and improved deal to ward off interested clubs.