Arsenal target Jackson Martinez confirms four-year deal with Atletico Madrid

Arsenal target Jackson Martinez has confirmed that he will join Atletico Madrid on a four-year deal this summer, but claimed to be in the dark as to when he will be officially introduced at the Vicente Calderon.

The FC Porto striker looked to have attracted much attention from potential suitors over recent weeks, following another satisfying season in the Primeira Liga in which he continued his hugely impressive scoring record with 21 goals in 30 appearances.

The Independent reported earlier in June that Arsenal would launch a bid worth £25m ($39m) for Martinez once they had successfully negotiated the respective departures of underwhelming attacking trio Lukas Podolski, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo, while AC Milan's interest in the player was subsequently announced by Porto president Pinto da Costa.

The Rossoneri later withdrew from the race for the 28-year-old's signature as confirmed in quotes from chief executive officer Adriano Galliani featured in Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, however, leaving Atletico free to thrash out a deal having sold Mario Mandzukic to Juventus.

Agent Luiz Henrique Pompeo claimed in AS last week that an agreement between the two parties has been reached and Martinez himself has now left no doubt by confirming that he will be joining Diego Simeone's side next term.

"I can confirm I am going to Atlético," he was quoted as saying by AS. "I am going there for four years but I still don't know when I will be introduced.

"I have had great progression, always learning, always growing and now I'm going to Atlético where I hope to help the team and continue to grow as a player."

Martinez, who has a release clause worth €35m (£24.8m) in his Porto contract, was speaking after Colombia were eliminated from the 2015 Copa America tournament by Argentina.

With Radamel Falcao having largely flattered to deceive throughout the group phase, Martinez was called into the starting lineup at the Sausalito Stadium in Vina del Mar but Jose Pekerman's side were eventually defeated on penalties despite an excellent display from Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.

Carlos Tevez netted the winning spot kick and after the match it was confirmed that the former West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City forward will return to his homeland with Boca Juniors after completing a transfer from Juventus.

"It is a day of joy and great satisfaction," Boca President Daniel Angelici said as reported by BBC Sport.

"The return of Carlos Tevez in an extraordinary moment of his career is fantastic news for all partners and supporters of Boca and Argentine football. The presence of Carlos will give another leap in quality to the great squad we have."