Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is very optimistic he can bring Chelsea goalkeeperPetr Cech to the Emirates Stadium prior to pre-season training.Thats according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who writes that Cech remains a major target for the Gunners and that he could be an Arsenal player by the time the squad returns to begin preparation for the 2015-16 season. Wengers men returned for pre-season on July 8 last year, per the clubs official website.As noted by Cross, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reluctant to let someone of Cechs experience and quality leave Stamford Bridge. However, the players outstanding 11-year contribution to the Blues is likely to earn him the right to select his next employer, and it looks increasingly likely that will be Arsenal.Its a transfer that would please plenty who frequent the Emirates, as Bleacher Report Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas notes here:Though hes now 33 years old, Cech still has plenty to offer at the very highest level. He might have fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea after the emergence of Thibaut Courtois, but the Blues legend is still one of the finest goalkeepers around, not only in the Premier League but in Europe too.As noted by OptaJoe, the Czech Republic international has been a model of consistency during his time in England:Its consistency and reliability the Gunners desperately need in this position. Wojciech Szczesny is talented but too erratic to be considered a top goalkeeper, while David Ospina revealed some flaws late in the 2014-15 campaign despite being a popular option with the supporters.Cech would be a major upgrade on both.Cech has also proved himself to be a leader and a winner in addition to somebody who makes critical contributions at vital moments. If Arsenal are to propel themselves back toward the summit of the Premier League, this purchase would expedite that process better than any other.Jackson Martinez In DemandArsenal look as though theyre going to have to fight off interest from a host of other potential suitors if theyre to land rumbustious Portocentre-forward Jackson Martinez, with Milan, Valencia and Liverpool all reportedly keen.Heres the kind of quality he would add to Wengers offensive options:According to David Amoyal of Italian journalistGianluca Di Marzio's website, the Rossoneriare currently the front-runners for the Colombian's signature, while Primera Liga side Valencia are also in the hunt alongside the Gunners.Marc Williams of the Daily Starclaims that Liverpool still have an interest too.But as noted in Williams piece, speaking with O Jogo, Martinezs agent, Luiz Henrique Pompeo, has stated everything is in place for his client to take the next step in his career, saying the player will cost 35 million. He didn't confirm the exact club in question, though:Things should be clarified in the next few days. Hell go to a big European club, which will be announced as soon as the contract is signed.From whats been agreed, Porto will receive the 35m from the release clause.Negotiations have been underway for a few weeks, there are still some details to be sorted out, and then Jackson Martinezs departure from Porto can become a reality.At this juncture, the big European club mentioned is unlikely to be Arsenal, but Gunners supporters shouldnt wory too much if the player does slip through their fingers.Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks Milan, which appears to be Martinezs most likely destination at this juncture, isnt the right move for a player he clearly rates very highly:He doesnt seem the right fit for Arsenal, though. Martinez is clearly a thoroughbred goalscorer and a player who would add impetus to the Gunners in attacking areas. But hell be 29 in October, and as such, 35 million would be an extortionate amount to pay.Plus, in Olivier Giroud, Arsenal currently have an option stylistically similar to the Colombia international. The Frenchman has already proved himself to be a capable target man and a fine goalscorer, so if the Gunners are going to spend big money on a striker this summer, it should be on a player who can offer the teams offensive forays a refreshing edge.
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