Atletico Madrid Offer €25m for Porto Star Jackson Martinez

Atletico Madrid have joined the race for Arsenal and Chelsea target Jackson Martinez, according to reports in Portugal.

The Porto star - who is playing a key role in the World Cup in the absence of Radamel Falcao - has been persistently linked with a move away from the Portuguese giants, but could be on his way out in the coming months.

Serie A duo Napoli and Roma were thought to be keen on securing his services, but his agent Peppino Tirri said that the Gunners, along with Valencia, were the favourites to land his client, telling reporters: "In Italy we have had very little contact, but for sure there have not been any offers from Roma.

"There are, instead, opportunities abroad. Arsenal and Valencia in particular are very interested in Jackson Martinez."

Although Romelu Lukaku is likely to join Atletico on loan next season, Los Rojiblancos will not rest in their efforts to strengthen the team's attack, given their key man Diego Costa is about to become a Chelsea player.

According to Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias, Atletico have offered a bid of around €25m to secure Martinez's services.

The proposal has failed to convince Porto bosses, who expect the player's €40m to be met. However, the report claims that the Colombian striker favourite destination is Atletico - even though he said in January that "If I get a chance to play for a high level club like Arsenal I wouldn't hesitate to accept it."

The 27-year-old - who was Porto's star player last campaign and the league's top scorer with 20 goals in 30 appearances - has just one year left in his current deal with Porto.

Arsenal also remain linked with Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Morata, who will be allowed to leave the club this summer due to his lack of first-team opportunities last season.