Report: Arsenal Mulling Bid for Portugal, Sporting Star Gelson Martins
Arsenal are contemplating tabling a bid for Sporting CP's star winger Gelson Martins this summer, according to reports.
The Portuguese outfit are eager to keep hold of their key playmaker, but face a uphill battle in convincing Martins to stay put after a bust up between the club's president Bruno de Carvalho and members of the first team.
Tensions at Sporting are said to be high after Carvalho threatened to suspend 19 senior players through a series of Facebook messages in April, before they were then singled out publicly for their performances during that time.
It has ensured a host of players are considering their futures at the club, and according to O Jogo (via the Express) Arsenal are now considering making a move for Martins, as Sporting could now find it hard to convince the 23-year-old to stay.
The reports claims the Gunners' new boss Unai Emery wants a new wide player brought to the Emirates as he looks to stamp his mark at the club.
Martins has previously been linked with a move to a host of Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool but all were fended off by Sporting who declared any potential transfer a 'non-negotiable'.
The 23-year-old is contracted until 2022 but has a £52.7m release clause and Sporting would be powerless to stop the Portugal international should the fee be met.
In his third season with the club, Martins - who favors a role on the right - notched 13 goals and created 13 more in his 46 appearances across all competitions.
